Akwa Ibom state governor, Umo Eno, would swear in newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen on Monday 7.
Eno, who made this known while speaking at All Nations Christian Ministry Intl, Eket, said it was important to immediately inaugurate the democratically-elected officials to position local governments areas in the state for rapid development.
“Election was concluded yesterday. Results are trickling in. We are swearing in new chairmen tomorrow by 8 am. We want to thank those that have served. They have done well.
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“The window we negotiated with the federal government was till October, and this is October. So we need to quickly swear in those Chairmen so that they will start receiving their allocation and work for their people.”
The governor equally clarified the appointment of his eldest daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, noting that she has been appointed as Senior Special Assistant and Coordinator of the office of the First Lady.
Noting that the move was necessary to continue the legacy of his late wife Patience, saying the decision was a product of political expediency.
He stressed that First Ladies are not appointed and so in the face of the sad situation of the demise of his wife, it was not only proper, but also comforting and assuring for the daughter who has been her closest assistant to coordinate the lofty programmes of the Office.
Eno also emphasized that priority will be given to the late First Lady’s pet project, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), along with other support programs for women, the elderly, the vulnerable, and the less privileged.
He noted that the initiatives can only be effectively sustained with Obareki as Coordinator, citing her experience, education, exposure, and access as key to their success.
“Please listen to me and listen well, First Ladies are not appointed, they come with the Governor. I made a statement, and I would like to repeat that statement for the avoidance of doubt.
“Our daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki will coordinate the office of the First Lady. She had been with the mother from the beginning, and you heard the First lady of the Nation, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu say “The mother introduced her to me. So appointing her as the Coordinator is not an appointment of a First Lady. You don’t appoint a First Lady.
“So, by appointment, she is a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady. This is not political, it is natural. All I pray for is support and wisdom for her to be able to ensure that none of those programmes will die, and that she will bring more insight and innovation to the Office.
“The only reason why I brought this up again is for the purpose of clarification that I am conscious of what I am doing, and it is to bring healing to the family and allow the Office to keep running. That’s one of the ways I will be comforted,” the Governor said.
