•Governor Umo Eno
Being full text of the statement issued yesterday by the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN)
The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) commends the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for personally visiting flood-affected communities in Uyo on Saturday, July 18, 2026, where he assessed the extent of the recent devastation, sympathised with victims, and announced immediate steps aimed at tackling the recurring flooding challenge in the state.
Following CHRAN’s earlier statement of Sunday, July 12, 2026, calling for compassionate leadership and a more visible government response to the disaster which occurred on Wednesday, July, 8, 2026, our Center is encouraged that the governor has yielded the call and visited the affected areas, interacting with residents, thereby demonstrating solidarity with families who suffered losses as a result of the flood.
The Center notes that leadership is not only about providing policies and infrastructure but also about identifying with the people during moments of pain and uncertainty. The Governor’s visit has therefore sent a reassuring message to affected residents that their plight has not gone unnoticed.
The CHRAN particularly welcomes the governor’s directive for an urgent review of the state’s drainage master plan within one week, his commitment to implementing both short-term and long-term solutions to flooding in Uyo and its environ.
On the governor’s declaration that buildings obstructing natural waterways will be removed, the CHRAN advises that it should be done in accordance with the law, with appropriate compensation fully paid where necessary so that the constitutional rights of those affected are not violated. These are significant policy commitments which, if faithfully implemented by Governor Umo Eno, could mark a turning point in the state’s response to decades of urban flooding.
While welcoming these commitments, CHRAN emphasises that the success of this intervention will not only be measured by the inspection tour, or by the announcements made to the media, but by the concrete actions that follow this visit. The people of Akwa Ibom state have witnessed recurring floods over the years, and they understandably desire solutions that are sustainable rather than temporary.
CHRAN urges the Government of Akwa Ibom State to ensure that every commitment made by the governor during the inspection is implemented faithfully and without delay.
CHRAN assures the Government and people of the state that our Center will continue to monitor developments with regards to flooding, acknowledges positive actions of government where they occur, constructively engages the government by advocating for policies and programmes that promote transparency, protection of lives and property, advance the course of rule of law and public interest, as well as hold the government accountable for its actions and inactions.
