Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated a new cabinet made up of 27 members and urged them to work hard in order to advance and fully actualise his Administration’s blueprint, known as ARISE Agenda.
The new Executive Council is made up of Commissioners and Special Advisers including four women, and nine returning members of the previous cabinet.
Performing the swearing-in at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno charged the new commissioners and special advisers to prioritise problem-solving over blame games and to strengthen weak links within their respective ministries.
He stressed that he was not constituting a war cabinet but a cabinet to build bridges of peace and deliver to the people the dividends of democracy.
He expressed gratitude to the members of the immediate past EXCO for their services to the state and urged the newly sworn-in cabinet members to see their appointments as an honour, and based on proven capacities and ability to deliver on his administration’s goals.
Describing the new cabinet as an “EXCO of Consolidation and Expansion,” the governor likened them to the biblical Joseph’s team. He tasked them to work collaboratively to interpret and deliver on the key planks of the blueprint for the betterment of Akwa Ibom people.
“We have a blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, which in concrete and precise layers contains our dream for the development of our state. Your role, like Joseph, is to help further interpret the dream and vision by working collaboratively to prepare our state and people for years of continuous economic growth and prosperity.
“This is not a War Cabinet but a Delivery Cabinet. The central and defining element of this EXCO is unity of purpose, teamwork, and positive collaborations to deliver on our campaign promises. Commit this to memory and project it in all your engagements, and you will have a smooth time as EXCO members.
“The budget has been passed, and the projects to be executed carefully outlined. We don’t have the benefit of time; we are in a hurry to deliver solid democratic dividends in line with the Arise Agenda. You are to look for solutions and not engage in blame games while also working to tighten weak links and encourage deeper team spirit for the overall success of the team. Excuses and tardiness will not be entertained. Your job starts now. Go and get it done,” Governor Eno said.
He therefore cautioned against igniting unnecessary fights with leaders at the local government, state or federal levels, stressing that his administration’s focus and desire to continue keeping Akwa Ibom as an oasis of peace and tranquility, where investors and tourists will continue to come, live, and thrive.
According to him, the State Government besides the various accomplishments in the various sectors, has already initiated major projects in the areas of tourism, road construction, healthcare, education, SME support and others to enable them take off properly, and however cautioned that only the Honourable Commissioner for Information, the Chief Press Secretary and in some cases the Secretary to the State Government, are authorised to issue official press statements.
The new cabinet has Uko Essien Udom SAN, as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Emem Almond Bob as Commissioner for Finance, Nsikan Linus Nkan as Commissioner for Economic Development, Elder Paul Bassey, Commissioner for Sport, Captain Iniobong Ekong as Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Ikoedem Efanga Ekong as Commissioner for Labour & Manpower and Dr. Anthony Luke Udoh as Commissioner for Transport.
Others are: Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Samuel Offor for the Ministry of Agriculture, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson Nnamso for Ministry of Power, Rt. (Hon.) Dr. Henry Okon Archibong for the Ministry of Housing, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Okon Ekong for Ministry of Environment & Mineral /Resources (Petroleum & Solid Minerals), Comrade Ini Ememobong Essien for Special Duties & Ibom Deep Seaport, as well as Prof. Eno James Ibanga for the Ministry of Works & Fire Service.
Hon. Frank Archibong Udoh is the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr: Ekem Emmanuel John, Commissioner for Health, Hon. (Mrs.) Inibehe Silas Etukudo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh is Commissioner Ministry of Education, Rt. Hon. Aniekan John Umanah Commissioner for Information, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong is Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo, Hon. Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Ubong John Inyang, Commissioner Ministry of Trade and Investment and Gen. Koko Essien (Rtd.), Commissioner Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways.
Also in the cabinet are Princess Emem Emmanuel Ibanga as Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Anietie Udofia as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ekerete Paul Ekanem as Commissioner Ministry of Youth Development, Barr Kufre Effiong Udosen as Special Adviser, Bureau of Political and Social Re-Orientation and Rt. Hon. (Mrs) Alice Ekpenyong as Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development.
