Eno warns appointees against inciting, engaging in media war

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has cautioned his appointees against inciting or engaging in any media war.

Speaking on Monday in Uyo after swearing in 27 new Commissioners and Special Adviser comprising four women and 23 men, Eno cautioned the appointees against partisan politics and inciting fights against elders.

Eno cautioned them against responding to critics no matter how provoked they may be, saying their response would be interpreted as coming from the Governor, adding that insults, criticism and lies are to be expected when serving the people.

The governor listed the Commissioner of Information, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and the Secretary to the State Government as the only official channels of communication of the state government and said it should be strictly adhered to.

He urged any other government appointee who wants to take up the responsibility to resign and do so as a private citizen, adding that he is focused on governance and not issues that would provoke war or fight.

The governor said unity, teamwork and dedication to duty should be the watchword of the new Commissioners and Special Advisers, saying he would not tolerate any excuse for failure.

“Let me again re-emphasize that your selection was the sole prerogative and responsibility of the governor and this was based primarily on your proven capacities and ability to get the job done and not on any ethnic or primordial consequences.

“Your loyalty, therefore, is to the governor and the state. This exco can be rightly referred to as the exco of consolidation and expansion, Joseph’s team.

“This exco therefore must be shaped by love teamwork unity of purpose and spirit of oneness, carrying each other along as partners rather than as adversaries, and being very observant so we do not allow one person to destroy our collective attainment.

“You are to look for solutions and not engage in blame game, while also working to tighten the weak links, if any, and dictate and encourage deeper team spirit for the viral success of the team.

“No one must dare to walk alone because we are together. This, I must emphasize, is not a war cabinet, but a deliberate cabinet.

The defining element of this exco, therefore, for greater emphasis, again, is unity of purpose, teamwork, and positive collaboration, to deliver on our campaign promises to the people of our dear state.

“Take this as the thesis of our operation, committed to your memory and projected in all your engagement, and you will have a smooth time as exco members.

“Let me state unambiguously that I am a man of peace and not of confrontation. I say what I mean, I mean what I say. I, therefore, do not have body language. Nobody should try to interpret my body language because you may be on the wrong side. Take what I tell you to be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. “You must work to maintain the peace we have enjoyed in our state by showing utmost respect to our elders and leaders across party lines. You have not been appointed as commissioners to ignite unearthly fight with our leaders, whether at the local government, state or federal levels,” he stated.