November 18, (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Tuesday cautioned political appointees against acts of disloyalty, declaring that anyone unwilling to align with his administration should step aside.
The warning came a day after two aides were dismissed over alleged disloyalty.
Speaking during the swearing-in of the new Head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Anietie Peters, at Government House, Uyo, Eno said his administration would not condone officials who undermine the government from within.
“Everybody will not agree with us, and that is understood,” the Governor said. “But what we will not tolerate is people believing they can be in government and work against the government. Every action carries a consequence. Quietly exit if you cannot stand with us.”
He referenced biblical teachings to reinforce his stance on loyalty in public service, stressing that those who enjoy the privileges of government must also support its policies.
Providing an update on outstanding gratuities, the Governor said his administration inherited ₦110bn owed to retirees from 2012 to May 2023, out of which ₦75.2bn has been paid.
“This month, we released ₦1.3bn. We have cleared arrears from 2012 to March 2021. The outstanding years are 2022 and 2023 before we begin obligations from our own tenure,” he said.
Eno commended the Federal Government for interventions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he said had supported the State’s capital and recurrent expenditure.
He added that Akwa Ibom currently enjoys stable labour relations, with salaries and pensions paid as due.
Mrs Peters, sworn in as the seventh Head of Civil Service and the fourth woman to hold the office, succeeds Elder Effiong Essien, whom the Governor praised for advancing civil service reforms.
The ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and senior government officials.
