Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, received a remarkable show of support and assurance for peace during the planned nationwide protest against hardship in Nigeria on August 1st.
The governor engaged in a Town Hall meeting with various stakeholders including youth organizations, civil society organizations (CSOs), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), student associations, and the Traditional Rulers Council of the State. All stakeholders endorsed the governor’s people-oriented intervention programs, especially in rural areas, which have earned him widespread admiration from the people of Akwa Ibom.
During the meeting, the stakeholders took turns highlighting the impactful projects and programs implemented by Governor Eno’s administration. They unanimously agreed that Akwa Ibom State is not a suitable location for violent protests.
One of the prominent attendees, Pastor Harry Udoh, commended the governor for his contribution to every sector of society. Udoh specifically praised the governor’s initiatives such as bulk food purchasing and distribution in every village, youth skill acquisition and empowerment programs, and the prompt payment of salaries and entitlements to workers. He also called for closer monitoring and evaluation of the governor’s various programs.
Wisdom Emmanuel, a medical student at the University of Uyo and leader of the student union groups, expressed appreciation for the governor’s efforts in providing bursaries and scholarships to Akwa Ibom students in tertiary institutions. Emmanuel concluded that the governor’s performance alone serves as a deterrent for protests.
Representing the traditional institution in the State, Dr. Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, President-General of the Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, acknowledged the governor’s intentional development efforts and stated that a protest in Akwa Ibom State is unnecessary.
Sunny James, Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and Dominic Abang, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), also commended Governor Eno for prioritizing workers’ welfare, including the timely payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities. They emphasized that the planned protest does not adhere to the necessary procedures and conditions required for organized labour protests.
The State Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, laid down ground rules for any protest and emphasized the need for compliance with these rules to ensure the safety of all participants. Ayilara assured that necessary protection would be provided to those who wish to protest, as long as the laid down rules are followed.
Pastor Eno, the governor, likened the Town Hall meeting to the biblical concept of “Come Let Us Reason Together” and used the opportunity to justify why Akwa Ibom State should not participate in any violent protest. He highlighted the State’s reputation as the most peaceful part of Nigeria and emphasized the benefits of maintaining peace and tranquility, which could potentially be destroyed by violent protests.
While acknowledging the citizens’ constitutional right to protest peacefully, the governor also raised concerns about past experiences in Nigeria where hoodlums took advantage of protests to cause extensive damage to public infrastructure and private properties. He urged protesters to ensure that miscreants and hoodlums do not hijack their demonstration.
The governor’s presentation at the Town Hall meeting provided compelling reasons why Akwa Ibom should not join the protest. He highlighted the administration’s various accomplishments, such as the payment of over N22 billion in gratuities to retired civil servants, the monthly stipend of N50,000 for the elderly through the ARISE Elderly Care Initiative, and the provision of free food vouchers to over 314,422 families through the Bulk Purchase Agency.
Furthermore, the governor mentioned the government’s support for the physically challenged, the chronically ill, and widows, as well as the payment of wage awards and bonuses to public service workers. He also highlighted initiatives like the commissioning of 236 low and middle-income housing schemes for civil servants, the release of outstanding pensions and contributions, and the approval of service-wide examinations for future promotions.
The governor’s list of achievements continued, including the donation of fully-furnished two-bedroom bungalows equipped with solar-powered amenities and the provision of business support grants to 10,000 beneficiaries of skills acquisition programs.
Emphasizing that the State has even more impressive plans ahead, the governor appealed to stakeholders to protect the State’s infrastructure, investments, and good reputation as a peaceful and friendly destination in Nigeria, rather than joining the protest.