November 08, (THEWILL) – Governor Umo Eno’s disposition of transparency in financial matters has vindicated him from several accusations and orchestrated falsehood peddled by some compromised groups, whose stock in trade is to distract the government.
Several publications by Policy Alert about Governor Umo Eno’s administration, which is barely five months and 10 days today, seem to confirm the position of some critics that the group is a ready tool in the hands of the opposition to feed people with wrong data/information.
While I may not attempt to believe such stance on a Civil Society Organisation, which claims to promote fiscal and ecological justice in the Niger Delta, there is need for one to verify facts, double-check and even triple-check, to avoid publishing falsehood.
The group had claimed that the supplementary budget submitted to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly included appropriation for projects already commissioned, 90 SUVs for the office of the Secretary to the State Government and also accused the government of borrowing heavily, among others.
But recent investigations triggered by the claims above revealed that they are unfounded and inundated with lies.
During Governor Umo Eno’s campaigns, he repeatedly promised to complete projects embarked
upon by the previous administration, and true to his vow, he submitted a supplementary budget that captured the financial plan for the completion of select projects inherited from the previous administration, and not those already commissioned.
Methinks the confusion emanated from the shallow thought by some who feel that a project commissioned cannot be expanded or remodelled to suit new demands and interest. A typical example is the Victor Attah International Airport, which was commissioned by the previous administration. But when former Governor, Udom Emmanuel, took over power, new projects like Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility (MRO), Terminal Building and Taxi Way, were initiated. Some projects are like this, even when commissioned, there are rooms for expansion. One should, therefore, understand the operation of government before publishing some stories.
As a prudent leader who frowns at wasteful spending and abandonment of projects, Gov. Eno has declared a state of emergency on all projects not completed by previous administrations, and this is good for all Akwa Ibom people.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a new administration completing projects initiated by other administrations. Government is continuum, and must be treated as such. Abandoning a yet-to-be-completed project and rushing to initiate new ones is the bane of development in Nigeria, and that error must be corrected.
Governor Eno’s desire to continue from where his predecessor stopped is a good omen for Akwa Ibom. This is the best thing that can happen to a state. The state would not be littered with abandoned projects as seen in other states. According to the governor, very soon, the state would take delivery of ten brand new Airbus planes that they ordered, and there is a payment plan for this project.
While responding to questions from journalists on other issues raised by the group, the governor said his administration will remain focused on delivering dividends of good governance to Akwa Ibom people in line with the ARISE Agenda.
On the issue of borrowing, according to available records, in addition to a statement by the governor, the state government has not borrowed a dime yet. However, even governments of vibrant economies of the world like the United States of America, Germany and others, also borrow. Borrowing to fund a profitable project is not a crime. It is one of the avenues through which huge projects are funded, the world over.
By now, the doubting Thomas should know that Gov. Eno is a prudent manager of resources and would never engage in frivolous borrowing or spending.
That is why many people who know the governor very well laughed when the group alleged that the budget was also for purchase of 90 SUVs. The governor had already clarified that he has been running the government with vehicles inherited from the previous administration because he has not purchased any vehicle since assumption of office.
While the purchase of new vehicles is necessary, there are other things that are more essential, and the governor through discipline and ability to prioritise, chose to use the old vehicles. An average politician in Nigeria would want to go for brand new vehicles first, but not Pastor Umo Eno.
Gov. Eno is very thoughtful and calculative, and nothing would change him from the humble shepherd that he has always been. The resources of Akwa Ibom are in safe hands, and with his entrepreneurial spirit, he will undoubtedly multiply same for the overall good of the state.
Written by Rev. Richard Peters
SA to A’kwa Ibom State Governor on New Media.
