Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, has described Pastor Umo Eno as a stickler for due process and a man who is committed to transparency in governance.
Addressing the leadership of Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON), Wednesday during a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo, Senator Eyakenyi said the Governor’s private sector background has brought a unique approach to managing public funds.
She praised Governor Eno’s attention to details and dedication to ensuring that due process is followed in every Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) of government.
The Deputy Governor expressed confidence that Pastor Umo Eno’s approach would earn him top marks if evaluated alongside his peers in Nigeria, adding that the Governor’s mindset of prudence with public funds has enhanced his performance, thus impacting the State positively in just one year of his administration.
“For anyone in any position, my counsel is always do what you need to do as unto God. Don’t do it to satisfy any human being. If God gives you a responsibility, handle it well, not haphazardly because it is public money. You will account for it one day.
“To the glory of God, we are doing very well in Akwa Ibom State. Other than being a Pastor, Governor Umo Eno came from the private sector and he is running the government not just as a politician but with the same mindset he deployed to succeed as a businessman.
“Before he spends public funds, the Governor always asks if he would spend the same way if the money belonged to him.
“This mindset naturally makes him self- regulated and able to prudently manage scarce resources for the development of the State.
“Because of this, in one year of performance, if we are given an opportunity to grade, he will certainly come up as the best in Nigeria.
“He pays serious attention to details. He does not just sign, he ensures that due process is followed in everything done in Akwa Ibom State. He is conscious to ensure that everything is done correctly and has transferred that to everyone working around him, including the MDAs”, she noted.
Senator Eyakenyi emphasized the importance of accountability and responsible management of public resources, saying such will speed up growth and development in Nigeria.
Earlier, the National President of APPON, Dr. Emem Kanico thanked the Deputy Governor for the audience and disclosed that the Association was in the State for its 4th National Conference with the theme ‘Sustainable Procurement Practice in Nigeria: Tool for Good Governance.’
Dr. Emem Kanico said the Association existed mainly to deepen the culture of anti-corruption among public procurement practitioners in Nigeria through advocacy for best practices and capacity building trainings to enhance professionalism among its members.
He lauded the Akwa Ibom State government for maintaining a robust public procurement office, describing it as one of the best in the country.
Present during the visit were the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Dr (Mrs) Grace Jim and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Elder Okokon Ufi.
