By dissolving the State Executive Council (SEC). Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State sent ripples through the political landscape. His decision to take the step is described as a pivotal step to strengthen governance and advance his state’s development agenda, perhaps barely a year into his tenure.
Governor Eno during the dissolution commended the outgoing Commissioners and Special Advisers, saying the announcement was made during an emergency meeting at the Government House in Uyo. Recalibration, he said, was needed to get on board with his view of a more encompassing, outcomes-oriented governance structure.
The evolving problems that the state is confronting require a more agile and responsive team,’ Governor Eno said. He said that the dissolution of the council is not of being based on dissatisfaction but they became necessary measures to inject new perspectives and increase performance.
The governor’s decision is consistent with is vision of fostering different developmental goals, in strategic areas like education, healthcare, infrastructural, and economic diversification. They opine that the action shows his intentions to strengthen his grip and ensure the state leadership does not swerve from what was promised in a campaign trail.
There is nothing new about the dissolution of executive councils as far as governance in Nigeria is concerned. This strategy has, in the past, been used by past governors to rekindle their agenda, reboot their administration and purge of inefficiencies. In Akwa Ibom State, the Governor Eno’s move coincided with a surge in governance reforms that leaders have sought to address evolving threats.
With Governor Eno leading the state, there has been incremental progress in the state as roads are completed, public health facilities and education improved. However, stakeholders have criticized gaps in execution and called for a leadership team that is more dynamic, and more accountable.
The administration’s turning point with the dissolution of the SEC. While it is an opportunity for a reset, it involves all sorts of challenges, for instance, governance continuity is something that has to be sustained and also avoid disruptions of work in progress.
This could also be part of a strategic maneuver to weed out underperforming officials and reward stalwarts like Governor Eno who share his vision. It also paves the way for the possible entry of younger and more technocratic people into the next cabinet, a trend that is becoming rife in Nigeria’s politics.
Delays in reconstituting the council could run into critical projects that rely on international funding or federal allocations. Governor Eno’s promise of a quick and transparent process however gives hope that the transition will be smooth.
Specifically, Governor Eno was confident that restructuring of the State Executive Council will be done effectively and in record time. He also stressed that new cabinet would be more ethnically diverse and comprised of people who have adequate skills and commitment to the development of the State.
“Our focus remains on delivering impactful governance and ensuring that Akwa Ibom continues on its path of progress,” the governor said.
He also urged support from citizens, saying that his administration is in the process of this crucial transition.
The governor’s administration has vowed to keep the public trust and ensure that each and every appointment during the reconstitution process is taken care of, and it will provide updates and seek input from civil society organizations in monitoring key appointments.
The dissolution of Akwa Ibom State Executive Council by Governor Umo Eno is a historical moment. So far, this bold step is unclear if it will translate into concrete improvements in governance and development. The state is watching Governor Eno to deliver on his promise of transformative leadership,. All eyes are on the new executive team, which will be unveiled shortly.
