Even Jesus didn’t attend to every problem – Umo Eno
By Moses Tom
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has admitted that he does not have the magic wand to solve most of the problems confronting the people..
Pastor Umo Eno stated this during a media briefing with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, as part of activities celebrating one year anniversary of his administration.
The governor acknowledged that as a human being he can only do what he can.
He, however, observed that he has done his best to serve Akwa Ibom State people creditably.
“I have served Akwa Ibom people in the last one year with the integrity of my heart. I have done my best,” the governor noted on Tuesday, 28th May, 2024 in a media briefing with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council.
The governor posited that no one should expect him to act God, capable of solving all human problems and that if even Jesus Christ, while on earth, could not attend to every problem that confronted the human race, who is he to claim custodian of magic wand.
Governor Umo Eno, who was responding to question on the inability of ARISE Food programme under the Bulk Purchase Agency to bring down price of staple food, observed that it was erroneous to believe that the ARISE Food programme was targeted at reduction of of food prices.
He maintained that the destiny of food security and sufficiency in the state rests on the shoulders of Akwa Ibom people whom he said must go back to the farm and grow their own food.
He regretted that Akwa Ibom has been depending on sister states for the supply of food as garri, despite the success of the food voucher programme, urging the people to take advantage of the farm days to change the narrative.
According to Governor Umo Eno, “a people that cannot feed themselves are no people at all,” hence the directive of the state government to shutdown work every first and third Fridays for everyone to take to farming.
“We have tried in the last one year to stay within the ARISE Agenda. It’s just one year. Though we’re not the ones to say we have done well, but I can say without any shadow of doubt that I have served Akwa Ibom in the last one year with the integrity of my heart.
“The team that God has raised for us has done its best. We are servants and so we present ourselves this evening to interact with the media with trust that we will continue to work together and even when you criticize us, it should be constructive. It should be something that will help us do better because what we want for our state is actually to serve our people better and give them the best.
“We have shown you that we’re ready to serve. We will work with everyone across board, without any exception. It is our state and everyone has a stake in this state. Even if you’re not from here but you’re living here and doing business here, you’re a stakeholder and we owe it to you to be accountable. That’s why I make myself available most of the times to meet people, talk to people and that’s what we will continue to do,” he added.
