ENO AND PURSUIT OF ACCOUNTABILITY  

 Governor Eno has displayed a high level of prudence, and selflessness in the pursuit of public good, writes ANIETIE USEN

For three days, from December 16 to December 18, 2024, 18 months into his administration, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State broke new grounds in openness, accountability and transparency in public office. 

This time, the Governor, in a very transparent and pragmatic approach, hosted what he called the Ministerial Briefing/End of Year Review of his Administration. In a first-of-its-kind town hall-style summit, the Governor, his entire cabinet and critical agencies, brought their annual performance report openly before a cross-section of political and business leaders in the State, along with the leadership of the media, labour and civil liberty organisations.

The idea was not only to subject his annual performance to public scrutiny and evaluation, or carry along these critical stakeholders in the next steps of the government, but more importantly to seek their inputs and buy-in into the plans and goals of the government from Day One of 2025. Prince Enobong Uwa, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), in his opening remark at the occasion called it “bottom-up” approach.

In a well-tailored approach designed to accomplish specific deliverables, every head of MDA did not only present their report cards for the outgoing 2024 but their programmes and goals for 2025 and beyond. In the process, all leaders of MDAs also laid bare before stakeholders their leadership skills and grasp of issues under their watches. 

There was no doubt whatsoever in the minds of stakeholders that the Governor himself was on top of his game, as his depth and insight into every aspect of his government were profound and second-to-none. From the land, air, and sea gateways of the State economy, Governor Eno demonstrated uncommon managerial acumen that compelled and assured stakeholders that the ship of State in Akwa Ibom is in good hands. 

As the world grapples with the challenges of corruption, malfeasance, and pervassive wrongdoings in the public sector, the importance of transparency and accountability in governance has never been more pressing. From the Nordic countries’ exemplary open-government initiatives to Brazil’s innovative use of e-governance to track public spending, nations around the world are demonstrating that transparency and accountability are essential ingredients for good governance, economic prosperity, and social justice. 

This is what delighted Akwa Ibom stakeholders most about Governor Eno’s government and leadership style, which is simultaneously attracting national attention. Just as the three-day ministerial briefing/ review was in session, the respected Leadership Newspaper, announced the Pastor turned politician, as the Nigerian Governor of the Year 2024, for bringing “pragmatic and imaginative leadership that reverberates with success within a very short time….”

Close watchers of his administration and style of leadership are not surprised. His style combines a large dose of participative leadership which has involved team members in the decision-making process, with the servant leadership style which prioritises the needs of populace and entity over and above the interest of the leadership. Governor Eno has displayed a high level of prudence, transparency, and selflessness in the pursuit of public good that has captured the imagination of many, including his political opponents.

One of the governor’s opponents in the last governorship primaries who is now actively supporting the governor confided in this writer his amazement with Governor Eno’s sterling performance, transparency and openness to public scrutiny. “I hope you will not quote me, but honestly, whenever I look at the performance of this governor, I ask myself, would I have measured up to this very high level and standards of performance?” 

Said Governor Eno at the opening of the three-day ministerial briefing/review: “We came into office with an overwhelming electoral victory. Eighteen months later, I believe it is time we should sit together and look critically on what we have been able to achieve together as a government. We will be here together for three days to take stock, to see the things we have done right and to consolidate on them, and to see the things we should do right and to learn to do them right…It is simply an opportunity for us as a government to have feedback and learn”.

It turned out that the learning was a two-way exchange. A cross section of stakeholders who jam-packed the sprawling Banquet Hall of the Government House learned with great delight, not just about the bold and daring economic and infrastructural steps Governor Eno has taken to make Akwa Ibom a proud sub-national in Nigeria, but they also were proud to know first hand that the State is lucky one more time to be steered by a competent transformational leader. 

Stakeholders said his job approval rating in 18 months is probably unrivalled in the history of the 37-year- old State. Those who spoke inside and outside the briefing venue were united in their perception and opinion on the calibre and capacity of the businessman turned Governor. Senator Effiong Bob, the political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, was effusive with his rating of the Governor: “When you have a good product, it is easy to sell. This ministerial briefing is a novel idea, because we have never had it so good and open in Akwa Ibom State”.

Otuekong T. O Akpan, an elder statesman and former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, spoke along the same lines: “I am very excited to be a part of this event. Coming from the private sector, the Governor has brought innovation into governance, leading to an unprecedented development in all components of the ARISE Agenda for the good of Akwa Ibom people.”

 Goddy Umoh, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Assembly Service Commission, said the ministerial briefing was very illuminating. “Through the ministerial briefing, we are able to know clearly what the Governor has been doing in the last 18 months and what the Governor intends to do in 2025. It is very rare to see a state governor in Nigeria put all his cards on the table for all to see…”

For the Oku Ibom Ibibio, the patriarch of Ibobio people, Dr. Solomon Etuk, his joy as the traditional father of the Governor was obvious. “I am proud of the Governor, not because he is my own son, but because he has excelled in everything he has initiated and beyond. I am so delighted to be an eye-witness of this unprecedented initiative of openly rendering the account of his stewardship…

While Chief Nduese Essien, former minister of Housing and Environment said the ministerial briefing is a unique idea that “has never been done in any state of the federation…”, Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien said that “after eight years, many states will not be able to compete with Akwa Ibom State, at the rate Governor Eno is performing”. 

In his opinion, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Amos Etuk said the ministerial briefing should remain “a legacy” of the Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda in order to foster steady accountability, deepen transparency and agenda setting in years to come.  

Said the Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Dominic Abah: It was really revealing to see the Governor sit down throughout the scrutiny of his administration to hear from the people and take down notes. This is the difference between a transformational and transactional leadership”.

Usen is  an author and multiple award-winning Journalist