None of my political aides earns less than ₦1m monthly, says Gov. Eno
By Jeffrey Agbo
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has clarified issues surrounding the salaries of his political aides, declaring that none of his personal assistants (PAs) earn less than N1 million monthly.
Speaking at a Town Square Meeting with residents of Ikono and Ini Federal Constituency in Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, the governor faulted claims by some aides who downplayed their earnings.
He singled out his PA on Protocol, Blessed Essien, for commendation after the aide used part of his salary to build and reticulate a borehole for his community. In recognition of this gesture, Governor Eno announced Essien’s promotion to Special Assistant (SA) on Public Works.
“I received a brochure about a PA who used part of his earnings to construct and reticulate a borehole in his village. That’s commendable. But others with similar opportunities are not engaging their communities meaningfully,” he said.
The governor added: “Let it be clear: no Personal Assistant to the Governor earns less than N1 million monthly. It’s misleading to describe such as a ‘stipend.’ That’s substantial income, and I expect transparency and accountability from all political appointees.”
Governor Eno further instructed the Secretary to the State Government to publish a comprehensive list of political appointees, broken down by local government areas, in a national newspaper.
Urging citizens to demand accountability, he said: “Ask your PAs, your SAs, SSAs, and Commissioners — what have they done for your communities?”
He emphasised that political appointments must reflect service and performance, stressing that Essien’s promotion was earned through demonstrable impact.
