Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has clarified that none of his Personal Assistants (PAs) earn less than one million naira per month, addressing public concerns about the remuneration of his political aides.
Speaking at a Town Square Meeting with residents of Ikono and Ini Federal Constituency in Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, Governor Eno criticised comments by some aides that appeared to downplay their earnings.
He singled out Blessed Essien, his PA on Protocol, for commendably using part of his salary to fund a water borehole project in his community. In recognition, Eno announced Essien’s promotion to Special Assistant (SA) on Public Works.
“I received a brochure about a PA who used part of his earnings to construct and reticulate a borehole in his village. That’s commendable. But others with similar opportunities are not engaging their communities meaningfully,” the governor said.
He added, “Let it be clear: no Personal Assistant to the Governor earns less than one million naira monthly. It’s misleading to describe such as a ‘stipend.’ That’s substantial income, and I expect transparency and accountability from all political appointees.”
Governor Eno also directed the Secretary to the State Government to compile and publish a list of all political appointees, broken down by local government area, in a national newspaper.
Encouraging constituents to hold officials accountable, he said, “Ask your PAs, your SAs, SSAs, and Commissioners — what have they done for your communities?” He concluded by stressing that performance and responsibility in public office remain key, noting that Essien’s promotion was based on tangible impact.
