Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has taken a different stance, cautioning individuals aspiring for Chairmanship and Councillorship positions in the upcoming local government election to refrain from squandering their funds on unnecessary consultations.
During a gathering in Uyo on Sunday, Governor Eno delivered a speech to the outgoing local government Chairmen on the occasion of the twins Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Hon. Ekopimo Polycarp’s dedication. He emphasised that it is premature to commence consultations at this point in time.
Governor Pastor Umo Eno also cautioned the council chairmen to take proactive measures in preserving peace within their individual domains. He mentioned that any local government area that undermines the peace in the State will hold the Council Chairman accountable.
The Governor voiced his apprehension as security reports brought to light the troubling revelation of certain Council Chairmen actively supporting the agitation regarding the State’s Map law. He earnestly urged the people to remain peaceful as the matter pends in a court judgment.
Governor Eno said: ‘Let me inform you that some people have started consultations for Chairmanship and Councilorship positions, please don’t spend your money. I will not compensate anybody or association for engaging in consultation for such positions.’
‘Please I have not sent you to waste your money on consultations. Wait until we blow the whistle for Local Government elections. We are trying to ensure that Government takes shape and we are doing the best we can.’
‘Please note, if zoning does not favour you, don’t even worry yourself because no amount of pressure can make me go against the party zoning arrangements. It is also a privilege to meet all the Local Government Chairmen here.’
‘We are planning to have a meeting with you. Soon, you will hear from me. We need to talk. We need to discuss, actually about keeping your Local Governments safe and secure. You are the Chief Security Officers of your LGAs.’
‘We need to work together and extra hard to ensure that we stay in peace. And let me use this occasion to plead with all the Chairmen, please hold down your Local Government Areas. We don’t want to have issues anywhere.’
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‘There has been so much tension about mapping or remapping. I have said on many occasions, I know that some LG have gone to court. Naturally, when a case is in court you rest and maintain peace until it is determined. Nobody is coming to take your land or anything.’
‘We’ll wait for all the fireworks to be done in court. So, there is no need whatsoever for anyone to encourage crisis. We have security reports that some Local Government Chairmen are encouraging and trying to hide behind and sponsor agitations.’
‘Once that happens we will invoke the full weight of the law on the culprits. This is not a threat. As a Chairman of the Local Government, we will hold you responsible for any breakdown of law and order in your domain. Let peace reign’
Governor Eno reaffirmed his commitment to providing democratic benefits to rural communities, underlining the importance of transcending personal limitations, biases, and ethnic divisions.
He stressed the need for people to unite and actively pursue peace and development in their region.
‘So coming together like this avails us the opportunity to come together, rejoice together, talk to each other about things that will bring development to our state.’ He added.
‘We have made up our minds- myself, my Deputy and the Speaker to work very closely together with each other, and to ensure that we deliver dividends of democracy to our people. It doesn’t matter where the people stand. What we are interested in is our people receiving dividends of democracy especially in the rural areas.’
‘I would like to congratulate the Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council. We pray that God will continue to give you his face and strength so that these lovely kids will continue to have the best and grow up to who God has pre-destined them’
Relaying his goodwill message, Mr. Iniobong Robson, the Chairman of ALGON in the state and also the Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council, acknowledged God’s blessings upon their member with the arrival of twins. He further expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for honoring the event with his presence.