February 12, (THEWILL) – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has forwarded a list of 27 nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening as members of the State Executive Council. These include a two-term House of Representatives member, Dr Henry Archibong, and a former commissioner for information in the State, Mr Aniekan Umanah.
The list presented to the Speaker during Tuesday’s plenary also includes some members of the immediate past Executive Council, former local government chairmen and former members of the House of Representatives.
Some of the returning Exco members include the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Uko Udom (SAN); the former Commissioners for Finance, Hon Linus Nkan; Works, Prof Eno Ibanga; Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong; and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong; among others.
Some former local government Chairmen who made the list are the immediate past ALGON chairman, Hon. Iniobong Robson, and Hon. Emem Ibanga.
The list, contained in a letter signed by the Governor and captioned, “Clearance for appointment”, stated: “On behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I warmly greet the Leadership and the Honourable members of the 8 Assembly for the wonderful spirit of cooperation we have received from you since we came in.
“In line with Section 192 (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I forward the under-listed names of nominees for appointment to the Office of the Commissioners and Special Advisers for confirmation by the State House of Assembly.”
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, while receiving the letter, said it would be given expedited treatment accordingly.
THEWILL reports that Pastor Umo Eno had stated in many fora that his choice of Executive Cabinet Members would not be influenced by anybody, even as no one anywhere would have a clue of the names until it is formally presented to the House of Assembly.
He particularly warned stakeholders at all levels to avoid sending names or lobbying for any office, as such would spell automatic disqualification for such a person.
The long-anticipated list presented to the State House of Assembly and copies made available to the press did not pull surprises as all 27 nominees were old recurring faces in the state’s political scene.
