Gov. Umo Eno.
By Osondu Ahirika
Is Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD right on this viral video?
Reading a riot act to his Commissioner’s and Special Advisers.
To fire any of them caught in the Web of insubordination.
His grouse?
Cabinet members abandoned him midway through official duties.
Whereas their job, Governor Eno insists is a full-time job, which you must do 24/7.
On November 19, 2024, a meeting of all political appointees was convened in the Banquet Hall, Government House, presided over by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah.
It was a one-agenda meeting the subject being compulsory attendance of Governors’ appointments by his appointees.
Opinions are divided
Some endorse his stern warning, calling on appointees who find this unacceptable to resign.
Others decry what they describe as the concomitant herdlike Mentality, citing cost of funding the long convoys, distraction of Cabinet members from their assigned duties…Bla. bla…bla!
Let me review Jesus’ leadership model and let’s judge.
Following the Master
Jesus demanded his cabinet members prioritise commitment/dedication to His mission over personal desires.
Jesus demanded of his disciples: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24-26).
Not a tea party
Following Jesus wasn’t/isn’t a tea party. It also involved a willingness by disciples to make sacrifices and endure suffering without compromise.
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”( Luke 9: 57 – 58).
No Excuse.
Jesus brooked no excuses. He demanded full ‘defray’ of the cost of following Him.
Read the scriptures.
“He said to another man, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”(Luke 9: 59 – 62).
Following Jesus from a distance.
Jesus told Peter he would deny him when it mattered most.
Keeping the distance from the leader during critical challenges doesn’t look good.
See how it started as reported in scripture.
Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the High Priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. (Mark 14:54)
Alone Time
Jesus initiated retreats to have ‘Alone Time’ with his disciples. They were always primed for this.
Again scripture reads; That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35 )
Primary Assignment time
Jesus also made room for the disciples to discharge their core mandates.
Giving them their job description In Luke 10:1-12,
Jesus appoints 72 others and sends them out, two by two, to preach and heal in the towns and villages he will soon visit.
Delegated Authority
To His 12 disciples, Jesus also gave authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. (Mathew 10:1)
Abhorrence for negligence of duty
Jesus queried his disciples for sleeping on duty and abandoning him to his fate at Gethsamane.
Another difficult period for him.
When He found them sleeping, a disappointed Jesus asked:
“Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” (Matthew 26:40).
I could go on and on but let these points suffice.
So I ask, was Governor Umo Eno wrong in giving that stern warning?
If you ask me, the answer is…in your mind.
Ahirika is Head of Media and Advocacy Unit, EARCOM, Akwa Ibom State.
