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Governor Umo Eno’s Betrayal: Unending Hunger And Poverty In Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom State, once a beacon of hope and prosperity, has been ruthlessly plunged into darkness and despair under Governor Umo Eno’s tyrannical rule. Despite grand promises to uplift the people, Governor Eno has not only failed but actively sabotaged the lives of Akwa Ibom’s citizens. By withholding state funds and selectively rewarding his inner circle, he has engineered a cash crisis, thrusting the state into unrelenting hunger and poverty.
“The current situation in Akwa Ibom is dire. Governor Eno’s mismanagement and corruption have left the people in a state of despair,” says Mr. John Doe, a concerned citizen.
The state’s economy, once robust and thriving, lies in shambles. Employment opportunities have vanished, leaving the populace in a desperate struggle for survival. Education, the bedrock of future prosperity, has been decimated. Over 3000 schools languish in appalling conditions, while Governor Eno’s feeble attempt to renovate a mere 31 schools is a cruel mockery.
According to a recent report by Staticsense, Akwa Ibom is now considered the poorest state in South South Nigeria, highlighting the catastrophic governance under Governor Eno. “It is disheartening to see our state fall behind in terms of development and prosperity. Governor Eno’s priorities are clearly misplaced,” says Mrs. Jane Smith, a community leader.
Even more alarming is the climate of fear that Governor Eno has instilled. Dissent is met with swift and severe retribution. The recent dismissal of his own Commissioner of Special Duties, Dr. Bassey Okon, for daring to criticize his policies, epitomizes this authoritarian regime. Such actions have muzzled voices of opposition, trapping the state in a cycle of fear and oppression.
“The fear of speaking out against the governor is palpable. We live in constant fear of retribution for expressing our concerns,” says Mr. David Williams, a political analyst.
The suffering of Akwa Ibom’s people is undeniable. Their pleas for relief are ignored, their hopes for a better future continually crushed. This is a stark contrast to the prosperous eras of Obong Victor Attah and Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the progressive path laid by former Governor Udom Emmanuel. Instead of building upon these legacies, Governor Eno has chosen to dismantle them, depriving the people of essential resources and driving them to desperation.
The dire situation has forced some youths into criminal activities like kidnapping, as they see no other means of survival.
“Governor Eno’s policies have pushed our youths into desperate measures. It is a tragic consequence of his failed leadership,” says Mr. Michael Johnson, a social worker.
Despite his attempts to curate a positive media image, the grim reality of Akwa Ibom tells a different story. The governor’s sycophants may sing his praises, but the suffering of the people reveals his true nature. The time has come for Governor Eno to own up to his betrayal, to end the unrelenting hunger and poverty, and to restore hope and prosperity to Akwa Ibom State. The cries of the people must be heard, and action must be taken now.
“In order to move forward, Governor Eno must acknowledge the grievances of the people and take immediate action to address their needs. Only then can we begin to restore hope and prosperity to Akwa Ibom,” urges Mrs. Sarah Johnson, a human rights activist.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, has commended the growing commitment of political leaders to the development of Southern Kaduna, describing it as unprecedented.
Speaking at the Southern Kaduna Solemn Assembly for Restoration held in Bara, Jema’a Local Government Area, Adams attributed the progress to the inclusive governance style of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing several ongoing developmental projects as evidence of their dedication.
The meeting, convened at the instance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures to strategize on advancing the region’s growth.
Adams noted that Southern Kaduna is witnessing an unparalleled drive for development under the current leadership, and he urged residents to remain politically united ahead of the 2027 elections to consolidate these gains.
“Since the return of democracy, this is the first time we are seeing leaders who are truly passionate about the development of Southern Kaduna,” he said.
“We must learn to love ourselves so that others can love and respect us.”
Highlighting some of the projects the Governor played a pivotal role, Adams mentioned the military barracks under construction in Samaru Kataf, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.
He emphasized that the governor had to reclaim some state-owned properties to facilitate these developments.
“Southern Kaduna is not there yet, but we are firmly on the path to progress,” Adams asserted.
He further called on the people of the region to unite politically and vote strategically in the 2027 elections, stressing that coordinated political action is crucial for attracting greater development.
“We must bring our votes together and negotiate a better deal for our people, rather than voting indiscriminately, which in the past has led to misfortune for the region,” he added.
News
FG Engages South African Bank Representatives On Environmental Oversight For Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Federal Government through the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has held a high-level meeting with representatives from the Development Bank of South Africa and Deutsche Bank to enhance environmental oversight of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway (LCCH) project.
The delegation, led by Karim Ezzeddine, focused on strategies to ensure environmental sustainability and adherence to international standards, particularly in Phase 1, Section 1 of the highway.
The meeting highlighted the Federal Ministry of Environment’s key regulatory role in safeguarding coastal areas and aligning the project with global environmental best practices.
Minister Lawal described the collaboration as a vital step toward integrating environmental integrity into Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
“This partnership reaffirms our commitment to sustainable development by ensuring the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway meets both transportation needs and coastal environmental preservation,” he said.
The engagement reflects Nigeria’s resolve to meet lender expectations and promote responsible development one that protects natural ecosystems while enhancing economic connectivity across the coastal corridor.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has warned that wealthy individuals are turning political parties into personal investments, undermining the democratic process.
Speaking at a technical workshop on the Political Parties Bill (HB1862) in Abuja, Abbas highlighted the absence of ideological foundations in Nigerian political parties, describing them as vehicles for power control rather than democratic institutions.
The workshop, organised by Yiaga Africa and The Kukah Centre with funding from the European Union, focused on addressing gaps in political party regulation.
Represented by Rt. Ishaya David Lalu, Abbas stressed that democracy cannot thrive without internal democratic processes for candidate selection.
“In Nigeria, political parties are not founded on any principle or ideology,” he said, noting that they often serve as platforms for power-sharing among elites rather than promoting public interest.
The proposed Political Parties Bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability by establishing an independent body to regulate party activities, including campaign financing.
Abbas argued that such measures would curb the influence of “moneybags” who hijack parties or impose candidates during elections.
He cited the United States’ Federal Election Commission and the United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission as models for effective regulation, contrasting them with Nigeria’s current system, where the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) lacks robust legislative backing to oversee party funding.
In his welcome remarks,Hon. Zakari Dauda Nyampa, Chairman of the House Committee on Political Matters, echoed Abbas’ concerns, noting that unregulated primaries often lead to crises within parties.
“This bill is key to ensuring accountability, transparency, and proper regulation of political party funding,” he said, underscoring its importance for Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
In his goodwill message,Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance in African politics, warning that weak political parties undermine democracy.
“Our parties are built around individuals, not institutions, making them easily captured,” Itodo said, advocating for stronger systems to ensure ideological coherence and public participation.
Also at the event,Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), called for greater public engagement with the bill, noting that it has yet to be uploaded online for scrutiny.
He stressed the need for stakeholders to thoroughly assess the legislation to ensure it reflects citizens’ aspirations. IPAC plans to convene a General Assembly to discuss the bill and present its position to the National Assembly.
On his part ,Fr. Atta Barkindo, Executive Director of The Kukah Centre, described the bill as a timely opportunity to strengthen internal democracy and institutionalise overdue reforms.
“The quality of political party operations directly impacts the integrity of our elections,” he said.