***** ROLLS OUT PALLIATIVES FOR STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION
The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has received commendation for his good development agenda for the state and quality of his cabinet nominees.
The Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Council; Rt Hon Imeh Afia, gave the commendation on Friday, while exchanging views with newsmen in Uyo, the State capital.
Apparently defending the State Chief Executive for maintaining the cabinet members of his predecessor, Rt Hon Imeh Afia, explained that, Governor Eno, being a member of the immediate-past State EXCO, has sufficient knowledge about the capacity of the Commissioner and Special Adviser nominees, thus, the Governor’s choice should be respected.
“Permit me to state expressly clear and unequivocally that the cabinet list of His Excellency, Pastor Umo is composed of highly brilliant and vibrant personalities who will assist the Governor in translating his lofty programmes as enshrined in his ARISE agenda.
“These are men and women of proven integrity, tested, trusted and found fit to be able to translate the vision of the Governor in various Ministries and ensure the function of Governor moves on a fast lane.
“I hereby appeal to all Akwa Ibomites to please respect the constitutional right of the governor on his choice of cabinet members. Rather than vilifying him, please let’s pray for him to succeed and support his government because Pastor Umo Eno means well for all of us,” Hon. Afia noted.
Answering a reporter’s question, the Council boss hinted that Hon. (Barr.) Emmanuel Enoidem, whom he referred to as his “Political Leader and Mentor” was never interested in becoming a State Commissioner as speculated in some quarters.
“Do you know what it means to rise to the position of the Legal Adviser of the leading opposition party (PDP) at the National level?” he asked rhetorically, adding: “the rumour that he lobbied to make the Commissioners’ list is laughable. I speak authoritatively that, my leader and mentor; Barr. Emmanuel Moses Enoidem, never lobbied to make the list, no he did not.
“God has blessed Barr Enoidem so much that he doesn’t have to lobby for anything; not to talk of a position of Commissioner that he occupied for about 9 years. Those that spread the rumour have no iota of idea about who Barr Enoidem is. His style of leadership in Etim Ekpo is surpassingly estimable and I tell you, such leaders are rare in our clime.”
Afia used the occasion to thank the Governor for reappointing one of his Etim Ekpo kinsmen; Prof. Imo Moffat, assuring that the nominee will bring to bear his wealth of experience and add value to good governance in the State.
Meanwhile, Rt. Hon. Imeh Afia has become the first Council boss to roll out palliatives to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the people of Etim Ekpo, starting with students in the tertiary institution.
His words: “I know that things are getting harder because the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) has been removed and this has made transportation cost increase further.
“By the special grace of God, I have mandated a committee to look into what we can do urgently for other class of our people, but as we speak, more than 100 genuine students of Etim Ekpo in tertiary institutions have started receiving a token of Five Thousand Naira (N5,000) each, to ease their transport worries. The financial support is sent to their bank accounts directly.
“I know that everyone in Etim Ekpo is not a Student, so, in a few days time, my team will submit the report on the best palliative for our elders, farmers, youths and our market men and women,” he added.
Imeh Afia who said Government at the third tier in Etim Ekpo has recorded tremendous successes owing to the support he enjoys from the Legislative Arm, Traditional Institution, Political Class, Churches, Students, Youths and women, pledged to add value to the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
