Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline and people-focused development, defending his policies and invite broader civic engagement in governance.
Governor Eno reaffirmed this at an interaction with media practitioners under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State council, as part of activities marking his third anniversary as Governor of the State.
The governor said his administration remains focused on delivering measurable results under the ARISE Agenda despite criticism, political distractions and inherited institutional challenges, highlighting some of the achievements of the State under his leadership and efforts made to fully actualise the ARISE Agenda..
A major highlight of the briefing was his defence of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which he described as one of the most transformative financial reforms undertaken by the government. According to him, the policy has strengthened accountability by ensuring that all government revenues pass through a central system where expenditures can be tracked and justified.
Governor Eno said the TSA has already yielded visible gains in internally generated revenue, revealing that collections rose significantly within the first three months of implementation—from about ₦7.5 billion in the first month to ₦10.2 billion in the second, and over ₦12 billion by the third month.
He explained that the improved revenue profile has enhanced the state’s capacity to finance ongoing infrastructure projects and meet financial obligations more efficiently.
The governor noted that contractors are now paid through a strict verification process tied to Interim Payment Certificates (IPC), ensuring that payments are only made for work duly completed and certified.
He said this system has helped government clear inherited payment backlogs while restoring confidence in public project financing.
“Any contractor that says government is owing should be asked a simple question: do you have an IPC?” he said, stressing that indiscriminate payments without due process are no longer possible.
On infrastructure, Governor Eno reaffirmed his commitment to completing economically viable projects across , stating clearly that public funds would not be invested in projects that do not deliver value to citizens.
He announced plans to accelerate work on key road projects, including collaboration with relevant agencies on strategic routes requiring urgent intervention. He also warned that contracts that fail to meet agreed standards or timelines could be terminated.
The governor said his administration remains focused on reviving abandoned public assets and completing projects left behind by previous administrations, citing renewed efforts to restore dormant facilities and bring them back into productive use.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms in the digital economy sector, expressing confidence in the leadership capacity of newly appointed officials driving innovation and technology development in the state.
Governor Eno used the opportunity to challenge critics and political opponents to a public gubernatorial debate on governance, development and public policy, saying he is prepared to openly defend the record of his administration before independent assessors.
He maintained that criticism is healthy in a democracy but must be constructive, factual and issue-based.
Calling for civility in public discourse, the governor urged citizens and political actors to avoid personal attacks and abusive rhetoric, insisting disagreements can be expressed respectfully without descending into insults.
He reiterated his support for press freedom and acknowledged journalists as vital partners in governance, describing the media as the “fourth estate of the realm” and a key voice for the people.
To deepen engagement with the press, he proposed periodic interface sessions between journalists and government officials to address emerging issues, clarify policies and build stronger collaboration in communicating government activities.
At the same time, Governor Eno made clear that while government welcomes scrutiny, public officials also reserve the constitutional right to seek legal redress against defamatory allegations, falsehoods or attacks involving their families.
He said criticism of governance and public policy should not extend into unsubstantiated attacks on personal integrity or family members.
Reflecting on the tone of the engagement, the governor thanked journalists for asking direct and probing questions, noting that transparency requires openness from both government and the media.
He said his decision to personally join the briefing was informed by a desire to directly engage stakeholders, clear misconceptions and foster a stronger partnership with the public.
Governor Eno concluded by reaffirming that his administration remains committed to prudent resource management, strategic development and inclusive governance, insisting that every policy and project under his watch must ultimately improve the quality of life of the people of Akwa Ibom.
By; Ikechukwu Agbamegbue, Uyo.
