Umo Eno Says None Of His Aide Earns Below One Million Monthly

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has cleared the air on the salaries of his political aides, declaring that none of his personal assistants earns less than one million naira each month.

He made this known during a town hall meeting with residents of Ikono and Ini Federal Constituency at Ibiaku Ntok Okpo.

The governor’s statement followed growing public debates over the welfare of his appointees. He faulted claims that some of them earn only stipends, describing such remarks as misleading. According to him, the pay is substantial and comes with expectations of service, accountability, and community impact.

Eno praised his aide on Protocol, Blessed Essien, for using part of his income to construct and reticulate a borehole for his community. The governor rewarded him with a promotion to Special Assistant on Public Works, saying the gesture showed how political appointments should benefit the people.

While commending Essien, the governor expressed disappointment with other aides who, despite earning the same, have not made efforts to touch lives in their constituencies. He urged appointees at all levels, including PAs, SAs, SSAs, and Commissioners, to give back to their communities and justify their positions.

To strengthen transparency, Eno directed the Secretary to the State Government to publish the full list of political appointees in a national newspaper, with details of their local government areas. He told citizens to hold their representatives accountable by asking them what they had done with the opportunities given to them.

Eno stressed that performance would remain the yardstick for recognition in his administration, noting that Essien’s elevation was a reward for visible impact rather than loyalty.