None Of My Personal Assistants Earn Less Than N1m monthly – Gov Eno

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr Umo Eno, may have opened what could turn out to be the most controversial debate in the country in the coming days, following his expression of concern over the haughty remuneration package of his personal aides

According to him, none of his personal aides goes home every month with less than one million Naira.

Governor Eno’s worry is, however, not about the humongous amount being paid his Personal Assistants , Special Assistants , Senior Special Assistants and others ,in a system where Professors , medical doctors of many years  experience receive far less, but his concern is about what he lamented is the unwillingness of the beneficiaries to allow  “the democracy dividends  trickle down to the people in their Constituencies.”

At a Town Hall Meeting.with the people of  Ikono and Ini Federal Constituency held in Ibiaku Ntok Okpo ,the Governor also expressed deep disappointment that some of the appointees in the face of the heavy monthly payment package still down play their earnings to avoid responsibilities to their people.

He, however, commended the efforts of one Blessed Essien, his Personal Assistant on Protocol, in deploying part of his large monthly emolument to the service of his community.

According to Governor Eno, while others continue to evade responsibilities, Essien has used part of his earnings to engage in borehole project for his people.

For his gesture, Essien has been elevated to the position of a Special Assistant 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 is commendable. But others with similar opportunities are not engaging their Communities meaningfully.

“Let it be clear: no Personal Assistant to the Governor earns less than N1 million monthly .

“It is misleading to describe such as ” a stipend” . That is a substantial income and I expect transparency and accountability from.all political appointees.

“To further make the appointees accountable to the people, the Governor directed the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, to compile and publish in a national daily, a comprehensive list of the officials, paying due attention to their local councils of origin.