Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged newly sworn-in local government chairmen and their deputies not to misconstrue their autonomy as an invitation to operate independently from the state government.
The governor made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony on Monday at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.
Governor Eno emphasized that no arm of government can function in isolation and encouraged the council executives to foster synergy with the state government, while assuring them that their financial autonomy would be respected.
The swearing-in followed the local government elections held on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
According to the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victories in 30 out of 31 local governments, with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) winning only in Essien Udim Local Government.
“Each of you is now autonomous in your financial dealings, which means you will receive your funds directly,” Eno stated.
“However, remember we have shared responsibilities, particularly in areas like paying our teachers’ salaries, allowances, and gratuities.
We must work collaboratively to deliver good governance to our people, as that is what they expect.”
Governor Eno underscored that while financial autonomy is granted, it does not translate to the chairmen operating as separate entities from the state government.
He reminded them to align their policies with the state’s ARISE Agenda.
“There is no true autonomy in governance,” Eno said. “You are part of the machinery of government, and your actions should reflect our shared commitment to serving the people.”
Addressing the lone APC chairman from Essien Udim, Eno noted that his election and subsequent swearing-in demonstrated the fairness of the election process.
He encouraged him to work with the state government in delivering the dividends of democracy, stating, “In governance, there is no APC or PDP—let them see you as the Chairman of Essien Udim, not the Chairman of APC.”
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in chairmen, Akaninyene Tommy, the returning chairman of Eket Local Government, expressed gratitude to the people for their support.
He attributed their victories to the performance of Governor Umo Eno’s administration and pledged to replicate the governor’s developmental strides at the local government level.
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