Gov. Umo Eno.
By Dianabasi Effiong
Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has said that his administration did not perform badly midway into his first term, having achieved more than 50 per cent of his ‘Arise Agenda’.
However, he was quick to add that it is left for the people and residents of the state, who are direct beneficiaries of the agenda, to score his performances within the period.
He made this known on Thursday at a media parley with a select group of journalists to mark his two years in office at Government House, Uyo.
The governor said that his administration made significant progress in agriculture, rural development, infrastructure expansion and maintenance, security, and education –
which were the five pillars of his administration’s Agenda.
He said that the successes achieved within his two years in office were also due to teamwork, public support, and the grace of God.
“This administration has enjoyed enormous goodwill and support from the Akwa Ibom people since it came on board on May 29, 2023.
“I say it boldly, the teamwork from members of my cabinet, support from our people, and the grace of God have armed us to serve Akwa Ibom.
“We have the assessment of our government by independent organisations, I believe that we are on the right track.
“We have not reached our destination yet, but the midterm report of our first tenure shows me that we have gone above 50 per cent.
“Take a look at all the indices of the ARISE Agenda from agriculture revolution, rural development, infrastructure development, security and education.
“You will agree that we have been able to tick the boxes. We have things we can talk about that we have delivered intentionally,” he said.
He urged the people of the state to deliberately engage in agriculture to bring down the prices of essential food items and ensure food security.
He also said, “I like to leave how we’ve fared over the last two years to the Akwa Ibom people because, if you ask me to score myself, I will be selfish and tell you I’ve done well.
“Naturally, whether we’ve done well or not, I would be foolish to say otherwise. It is the people who should assess us.
“We’ve not arrived at the destination, but a midterm report of the first tenure shows we’ve gone above 50%, and that’s the truth — looking at all the indices of the Arise Agenda,” he said.
The governor reassured Akwa Ibom people of his commitment to provide dividends of democracy in line with his administration’s goals.
According to him, Akwa Ibom will see more developments across the 31 local government areas of the state in the next two years.
