I wish to fuse few tales into this column. The tales feature Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State as the main character. No embellishments, no dilly-dallying.
Let’s get straight to the business of the day right now. Focus sharply on the core message without any unnecessary delays or added flair.
Eno and Jonathan Commission Uyo’s Flood Control Triumph in April 2024
Picture this: April 2024. Governor Eno stands before former President Goodluck Jonathan. It’s during the commissioning of the underground flood control project in Uyo, Akwa Ibom’s capital.
The event also marks the reconstructed Atiku Abubakar Avenue.
Eno beams with pride as Jonathan praises the transformative infrastructure achievements for the state’s residents.
And then he drops a bombshell: he says an unknown person sent him pictures of the deplorable road via the WhatsApp messaging app.
And get this: he acted on it immediately. That same day, after receiving the message from Sunday service, Governor Eno moved swiftly to address the issue.
Eno, Eyakenyi Lead Swift Site Assessment with Top Officials
Accompanied by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi and top government officials, he visited the site right away for a thorough on-the-ground assessment.
“The road was completely impassable. And I told the deputy governor that we must visit this place immediately after the church programme.
“What this shows is that all of us can collectively run this state. The money is not my money but belongs to all of us.
“Anything you see that you believe the government should intervene in, you should bring it to our table.
You can draw our attention to such issues and we will work with you.
“We try to run an open government, one across party lines, because knowledge is not based in one person or in one party. We can do it together.
All of us can be in government. But please, as government fixes these things, do not destroy them,” Governor Eno said at the event.
Eno Flags Off Ediene Abak Road Fix After Pupils’ Phone Alert
Still in 2024, precisely March. Governor Eno flags off construction of Ediene Abak–Ikot Ekan road. He reveals learning about its deplorable state through a message on his phone.
The message came directly from school pupils who highlighted the urgent need. Eno shares this story publicly during the event.
His words: “I give credit to school children who sent me the video of this road. I don’t know them; I wish I knew them.
But how they got my number, I don’t also know. Of course, my number is in the public domain.
“It was a rainy day. They were standing in the rain. They took pictures and sent them to me, and I forwarded the pictures to the Commissioner for Works.
I told him that because of these children, let’s do this road.”
Viral Video Prompts Eno’s Lifeline for Afaha Idoro Family
More recently, a distressed family in Afaha Idoro, Uyo, received a lifeline from the governor following a viral online video that drew his attention to their plight.
Through the Arise Care and Share Outreach, ‘Title Man’s’ family, talented young content creator, saw their house fully completed and equipped with essentials for better living.
They also received business start-up kits, food items, and solar lighting to uplift their conditions and support sustainable improvements.
Yet another confirmation of his responsiveness to citizen concerns raised through digital channels.
Those are just a few examples in a long list of such instances.
Now, fast forward to March 2026. Same governor. Same state.
But an attempt is being made to change the tune. A narrative is being woven, a narrative bordering on perceived inaccessibility.
Now, any good journalist worth their salt would smell a story here. The accessible governor is suddenly inaccessible?
The man whose phone number is in the public domain is now inaccessible?
Something does not add up! I refuse to join the emotional train. Facts conquer emotions.
Eno’s Unequivocal Declaration at Government House Church Service
“There are many ways to reach the governor,” he stated clearly. He emphasized openness, not foreclosing access for anyone in need.
“Stop saying the governor does not pick up the phone. Am I your receptionist?
That is even an insult, to say the governor does not answer calls,” he added.
Of course, a governor is a governor, not a receptionist.
Busy Eno Can’t Answer Every Call Amid 5M Citizens’ Demands
Yes, every citizen has the right to be heard, but appropriate channels of communication must be adopted.
We know how government works, there are channels and we know there are protocols. No governor spends every minute of the day answering phone calls. None!
Well, he also saw the humorous side of the negative sentiments. He described them as “comic relief.”
“On a very hard day, when you finish your meeting at 11 p.m., you just look at some things and laugh. It is comic relief. They are drama,” he declared amid smiles.
One Unshakable Truth Amid Accusations and Counters
Amid accusations and counter-accusations, one truth stands firm.
Governor Eno shares his number publicly and acts swiftly on WhatsApp messages from complete strangers.
He credits school children for raising concerns, responds to viral videos by uplifting families, proving he cannot honestly be called inaccessible.
He may be frank. But inaccessible? No. The evidence says otherwise.
