Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno
Akwa Ibom State Government has paid over N82 billion out of the inherited gratuities of N111 billion and other emoluments owed to retired civil servants since 2012.
The state governor, Umo Eno, announced this in his Easter broadcast on Sunday, saying his administration remains committed to clearing all gratuity obligations before the end of his first tenure, as promised during his campaign.
“To date, we have paid over N82 billion out of the N111 billion we inherited as gratuities and other emoluments of our retirees since 2012, and remain on track to liquidate the backlog, hopefully before the end of our first term in office.
“This was a campaign promise we made, and I’m happy to report that we are fulfilling that promise,” Eno said.
The governor also used the occasion to highlight his ARISE Agenda scorecard, disclosing that since assuming office in 2023, his administration has embarked on 1,300km of road construction, including inherited projects as well as others initiated and completed by his administration.
He added that an additional 167km of road were approved during the last Executive Council meeting, emphasising that no local government area has been left untouched, with projects spanning road construction, model primary healthcare centres, model primary schools, feeder roads, and general hospitals across the state.
“Since coming into office in 2023, we have embarked on the construction of over 1,300 kilometres of roads; some inherited, while others were started and completed by our administration.
“At our last EXCO meeting, we approved an additional 167 kilometres of roads across the state. Some of the roads currently ongoing are scheduled to be commissioned during the celebrations marking our third year in office,” he said.
“Today, we make bold to state emphatically that there is no local government area in this state that we have not touched, either with roads, model primary healthcare centres, model primary schools, feeder roads, general hospitals like the one in Ukanafun, and others currently under construction,” he said.
While acknowledging challenges, Eno assured all that all obstacles would be overcome, drawing inspiration from the Easter message of hope.
“Let me assure you, my dear people, that no matter what we may be facing, we will Arise together and overcome our challenges.
“Just as the Risen Christ brought hope, redemption and salvation, we will continue to roll our sleeves up and work to improve the welfare and well-being of our people.
“We will create a future that is defined by hope and faith in the ennobling ideals of a Christ-centred government we had promised you,” he said.
The Punch
