Akwa Ibom resources prudently deployed under Eno, allegations baseless – Media Forum

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Group of media professionals under the aegis of the Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum (USDMF) has dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement levelled against Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, describing such claims as unfounded and politically motivated.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Uyo, the Chairman and Secretary of the forum, Ambassador Emmanuel Ndon and Hon. Itorobong Umoh, respectively, said the administration of Governor Eno has demonstrated prudence, transparency, and accountability in the management of state resources over the last three years.

The forum maintained that calls by some opposition politicians demanding that the governor “come and give account” reflected a lack of understanding of modern governance structures and accountability mechanisms.

According to the group, accountability in Akwa Ibom State has been institutionalized through regular government briefings, published reports, digital platforms, and independent monitoring systems that allow citizens to track government activities and projects.

The media practitioners warned against what they described as attempts to politicize governance, spread misinformation, and distract the government from its developmental agenda.

“The Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum warns against any renewed attempt to politicize governance, spread misinformation, or derail the momentum of progress in Akwa Ibom State,” the group stated.

They urged citizens, stakeholders, and members of the media to focus on facts and support the consolidation of the administration’s ARISE Agenda.

“Akwa Ibom is working. The administration has earned the confidence of those of us who have followed it closely from day one, and it deserves the support of all Akwa Ibom people to finish strong and deliver even more,” the forum added.

The group explained that its assessment was based on direct observation of government activities since the inception of the administration, including attendance at official briefings, inspection of project sites, engagement with stakeholders across the 31 local government areas, and review of government records.

“We were with this administration from inception. For three years, we have attended its briefings, visited project sites, listened to stakeholders across the 31 local government areas, and scrutinized its records. After this review, we state without hesitation that Governor Umo Eno’s three-year performance index is satisfactory, and the resources of Akwa Ibom State are being deployed prudently and productively under the ARISE Agenda,” the forum declared.

Highlighting achievements in the agricultural sector, the group noted that the Ibom Model Farm has been expanded alongside the ARISE Home Farms Scheme and the Back-to-Farm Initiative, attracting more residents to agricultural production.

According to the forum, more than 750,000 cocoa seedlings, 700,000 oil palm seedlings, and 150,660 bundles of cassava cuttings have been distributed to farmers, while over 200 farmers have benefited from grants. It also cited the establishment of the Ibom Equipment Leasing Facility, which has improved access to mechanized farming equipment.

On rural development, the forum pointed to the flag-off of the 11-kilometre Owot Uta Nung Oku Ekere–Afaha Udoeyop–Edeobom–Utuat Market Junction Road, the commissioning of a solar-powered water scheme in Ini Local Government Area, and the establishment of wet markets in Oruk Anam and other communities.

The group further disclosed that more than 16,000 beneficiaries have received agricultural inputs through community associations, while the fisheries sector has been strengthened through the provision of patrol boats, equipment, and a dedicated fisheries protection unit.

It also highlighted the digitization of approximately 5,000 kilometres of rural roads, the award of contracts for 202.2 kilometres of roads, and the ongoing construction of three agro-logistics hubs across the state’s three senatorial districts.

In the health sector, the forum commended the ongoing construction of the Ibom International Hospital within the proposed Ibom Medical City, as well as investments in pharmaceutical and diagnostic facilities aimed at improving healthcare delivery.

The education sector, according to the group, has witnessed significant reforms through the establishment of fully equipped model primary and secondary schools across local government areas and the upgrade of the College of Education to the Akwa Ibom State University of Education.

The forum also praised the administration’s infrastructure drive, noting that more than 1,300 kilometres of roads and over 40 bridges have either been initiated or completed under Governor Eno’s leadership.

Beyond infrastructure, the media practitioners said notable progress had been recorded in security, aviation, power, tourism, humanitarian services, human capital development, and fiscal management.

They emphasized that the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, deployment of the Ibom Community Watch across communities, and acquisition of gunboats and patrol vehicles have significantly enhanced security and investor confidence in the state.

The forum also highlighted achievements in information management, transportation, youth development, sports, women’s affairs, and the digital economy.

Among the initiatives cited were the digitization of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) and the state civil service, procurement of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, establishment of youth development centres in all 31 local government areas, hosting of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, support for more than 430 children in government homes, and the launch of the AkwaGIS land digitization programme.

The forum concluded that the administration’s achievements across critical sectors demonstrate intentional investment in people, infrastructure, and institutions, insisting that Governor Eno has managed the state’s resources responsibly and deserves continued public support as he advances the ARISE Agenda.