Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state says his administration has cleared 13 years gratuity arrears of ₦110 billion covering 2012 to May 2023 in the two and a half years of his administration .
He stated this at the swearing in of a new Head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Anietie Peters on Tuesday at a ceremony held at the state’s Banquet Hall, government House Uyo.
“This month alone, I released another ₦1.3 billion. We have cleared arrears from 2012 to March 2021. We have two years left, 2022 and 2023, before we start clearing obligations accrued under our own tenure,” he said
On the issue of disloyalty among aides and government appointees, the governor said government will not tolerate any act of disloyalty from those working with the government.
Everybody will not agree with us, and that is understood and that is allowed, but what we will not tolerate is for people to believe that they can be in government and be working against the government.
“Every action carries a consequence. And I say it again: either you carefully and quietly leave, and we will be glad to receive resignations, than to stay inside and begin to rock the boat. We will not tolerate it, and that is the truth.”
The State Chief Executive who stressed on the subject of loyalty, anchored his position on biblical teachings, noting that stewardship demands faithfulness, not convenience.
Quoting 1 Corinthians 4:2, he reminded political appointees that “it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful,” insisting that loyalty remains the irreducible minimum for anyone privileged to serve.
He explained that Scripture does not permit divided allegiance, pointing to Matthew 6:24; “no man can serve two masters” – and Amos 3:3; “can two walk together except they agree?”
The Governor said such principles apply not only to spiritual responsibilities but also to public service.
He stressed that those who dine at the government’s table must be prepared to stand with its vision, and that anyone unwilling to do so is free to step aside.
Governor Eno warned that while his administration prioritises peace, it should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Those who think they can try our resolve to maintain peace should rethink. Meekness is not weakness. I got this job on the mandate of Akwa Ibom people, and I will discharge it till the very last day,” he said.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the State with resources for capital and recurrent obligations, adding that such interventions have made ongoing development possible.
He reaffirmed his administration’s support for President Tinubu’s reforms and encouraged all progress-minded citizens to join in building a stable State.
On labour relations, he noted that Akwa Ibom enjoys one of the most cooperative labour–government partnerships in the country, stressing that salaries and pensions have remained timely.
Earlier, the Governor congratulated the new Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Anietie Peters, describing her as the seventh Head of Civil Service in the State and the fourth woman to hold the office.
