By Otobong Nsekpong
The flag off of construction of Chairman’s residence in Etinan local government area on Wednesday January 14, 2026 provided an opportunity for the unveiling of the man, Pastor Umo Eno PhD.
Speaking shortly before the foundation laying ceremony of the chairman’s lodge located along Secretariat road the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Kufre-Abasi Edidem, said Akwa Ibom is almost debt free under the administration of Pastor Umo Eno.
According to him, the state government under the leadership of Pastor Umo Eno has almost cleared off all debt owed by previous administrations in the state.
The Deputy Speaker also informed the people that Governor Umo Eno has executed projects in the state since 2023 without borrowing a dime from any source.
“In the 2026 appropriation act that has just been signed into law, there are road projects in the 31 local government areas and these projects will be funded without loan.
He said the governor is very particular about accountability in government which has made Akwa Ibom almost debt free as at today.
“One thing I have come to appreciate about our governor is that the office of the governor has not changed him. He has remained a compassionate and sincere leader he was before emerging governor of Akwa Ibom state”
Performing the foundation laying ceremony, Rt Hon Edidem, said the new chairman’s lodge is a provision in the local government administrative law of Akwa Ibom State as passes by the 8th assembly.
He described the governor as a promise keeper who while campaigning promised to build homes for Council Chairmen to enable them to live among their people they are expected to govern.
He therefore called on Etinan people to give the contractor maximum support throughout the duration of the project and urged the contractor to execute the project according to specification and ensure timely delivery.
Earlier in a welcome remarks, the Chairman of Etinan local government Area. Hon Uko Umoh,thanked the governor for appointing him first, as chairman of the Transition Committee for Etinan and his support that made him an elected chairman of Council.
He likened the construction of the lodge by the governor to a father who after giving his son a job goes ahead to build him a house to ensure he settles into work effectively.
Hon Umoh assured the governor that Etinan local government area will deliver the highest number of votes in the history of gubernatorial in the 2027 general elections.
Goodwill messages were received at the event from the chairman of APC in Etinan, Comrade Israel Tommy, former Vice Chairman of Etinan Council,Hon Imaobong Collins and the member representing Etinan Federal Constituency. Obong Paul Ekpo who all appreciated the governor for the numerous projects executed in Etinan and appointments given to Etinan sons and daughters assuring him of massive support in 2027 elections.
“It will not be just winning but massive winning with a wide margin for the governor and all APC candidates in Etinan local government area ”
In an overview of the project as presented by Rt Hon Inemesit Itina PhD, the Chairman’s lodge will come with a meeting hall, boy’s quarters, security post and will be powered by solar energy.
