All of the cabinet members who served in the most recent government of Akwa Ibom state’s predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, have been reappointed by Governor Umo Eno.
According to Business Day, Eno renominated all the commissioners and one special adviser who worked with former Governor Emmanuel to join his unassembled government.
Eno has the support of outgoing governor Udum to succeed him in the general election in 2023.
Governor Eno gave an explanation for his conduct, saying it was a temporary measure to thank people who fought and prevailed in the election “war” with him when the opposition seemed formidable.
Leadership newspaper quoted him as saying:
“So these guys went to war with me, they were with me in the trenches and we won. How do I reward them, throw them away?
“They have given me the job. Please they should allow me choose those that I believe will deliver on the Job. You can’t give me a job and at the same time chose those that will work with me.
“I believe that choosing the people that will work with me to deliver on the job is my prerogative. Akwa Ibom should judge me on the deliverables.”