Mr. Michael Bush.
By Our Reporter
The College of Personal Aides to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State has expressed deep concern over what it described as an increasing pattern of malicious and self-serving media attacks against Governor Umo Eno.
The group said the latest comments by a broadcast journalist, Mr. Michael Bush, fall within a growing trend of attention, seeking criticisms ahead of the political season.
According to the College, Bush’s recent commentary reflects more of “personal bitterness than public analysis,” noting that his arguments are riddled with contradictions.
“Silence can sometimes look like endorsement,” the College stated, “so it is important to clarify that his assertions about appointees and governance are simply untrue.”
The aides in the statement signed by the Dean, Essien Ndueso and Secretary, Elder Nsikakabasi Umoekpo, questioned Bush’s motives, especially considering that just five months ago he coordinated the Governor’s anniversary media event, publicly celebrating the administration’s achievements.
They wondered what could have changed so quickly, wondering whether “something he expected simply failed to land on his table.”
The statement emphasized that Governor Umo Eno currently maintains one of the most inclusive appointment structures in Nigeria, with 368 Ward Personal Assistants, 304 Special Assistants, over 60 Honorary Advisers, and numerous Board members and Commissioners, all of whom have been paid consistently, they dismissed Bush’s claims of welfare neglect, stressing that aides now earn almost double what was obtainable when he served.
The College also pointed to the Governor’s large-scale interventions across the state, covering roads, healthcare, food security, agricultural support, and education.
“Anyone who drives on our new roads or sleeps peacefully in this state is benefiting from government intervention,” the statement read. “Selective blindness is not analysis.”
Addressing Bush’s political history, the aides noted his repeated movement across parties, describing him as someone “who has campaigned in almost every political party yet calls others inconsistent.” They added that his attempt to build an independent grassroots political structure collapsed, leading to his sudden change of tone towards the government.
The aides also dismissed claims that contractors in the state were not being paid, noting that the same contractors recently supported the state’s Security Trust Fund with ₦10 billion, a gesture they say “could not come from people allegedly being owed.”
They maintained that governance under Governor Umo Eno has remained focused on peace, people-centered policies, rural infrastructure, and inclusiveness. “Akwa Ibom will remember Governor Umo Eno for stability, empowerment and development,” the College stated. “But Michael Bush will be remembered for jumping between political parties and calling it strategy.”
In conclusion, the College reaffirmed its support for the Governor, insisting that no amount of political distraction can overshadow the progress being recorded in the state. “The facts are public, the progress is visible, and no editorial gymnastics can bury daylight,” they added.
