May 31, (THEWILL) – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has stated that he is managing the state’s resources prudently to avoid any post-tenure legal troubles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking during a media parley to mark his second anniversary in office, Governor Eno said he would not succumb to pressures to recklessly spend public funds, warning that such actions often lead past governors into the EFCC’s dragnet.
He declared, “I am very mindful of how I appropriate state funds because I don’t want to become a visitor to the EFCC when I leave office.
“I will not allow pressure from any group or individual to push me into financial recklessness.”
He blamed a section of the public for encouraging financial impropriety by making unrealistic demands on government officials.
He stated, “Sometimes, the people are the ones who drive governors into trouble.
“You’ll hear things like, ‘the governor must give us money’ or ‘government must do this or that for us’ — these are some of the pressures that push leaders to misappropriate funds.”
The governor reiterated his commitment to transparency and accountability, insisting that every kobo spent under his administration must deliver value.
He explained, “When I became governor, I told Akwa Ibom people we would have a sinking fund. Every month, we keep aside money that we don’t touch.
“Even my immediate family knows I don’t throw money around. Money must be used to pursue something meaningful.”
He also took a swipe at some so-called support groups who, according to him, felt entitled to financial rewards for backing his political campaign.
He said, “I’ve seen some groups saying they supported Umo Eno and since I became governor, I’ve done nothing for them. They even threatened to protest.
“They say they supported me for good governance — but now they want me to give them money. From which account or budget line should I do that?”
Governor Eno emphasised that his decisions would be guided by law and fiscal discipline, not populist demands.
“I will do only what is lawful. What I cannot do, I will simply stay away from,” he said. “No one will push me into doing what I shouldn’t.”
The governor also addressed recent media reports claiming that Akwa Ibom received N650 billion in three months, dismissing the figure as false and misleading.
“Those figures are publicly available through quarterly publications and the Freedom of Information Act,” he said. “You can’t add up three months of revenue and include balance carried forward, then turn around and claim Akwa Ibom received N650 billion. That’s not accurate reporting.”
He expressed concern that such reports had sparked resentment from neighboring states and stirred up renewed agitation over oil well ownership.
He disclosed, “Since that false report broke, I’ve had to visit the Presidency several times.
“Other states now believe Akwa Ibom is hoarding resources, and there are fresh agitations from Cross River and Rivers states over oil wells.”
He warned that such misinformation was not only misleading but had the potential to create diplomatic rifts among states.
“When people read that Akwa Ibom received N650 billion, they think we’re getting N200 billion monthly — and then at the Governors’ Forum, some start accusing us of sitting on their oil wells. It’s unfair and damaging,” he said.
Governor Eno, however, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s support and generous funding, which he said has enabled his government to deliver on development projects.
“We appreciate the President for being liberal with funds to Akwa Ibom. It has helped us implement impactful projects that benefit our people,” he added.
