Despite Board Dissolution, Akwa Ibom Politicians refuse to leave office
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, recently announced the dissolution of Non-Statutory Boards, Agencies, and Commissions in the state.
Despite such announcement, some Non-Statutory Boards, Agencies, Commission chairpersons, and members refused to leave office and hand over as instructed.
Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem (Deputy Speaker/Itu) made this known during the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly plenary yesterday.
He said the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, had, on June 21, 2023, dissolved all Non-Statutory Boards, Agencies, and Commissions and further directed the affected Chairmen to hand over to the most senior civil servant in the office.
“The Governor’s directive was immediately conveyed to Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies and published in the print and electronic media,” he said.
Rt. Hon. Edidem, however, disclosed that it was surprising that some Chairmen and members of the defunct Boards, Agencies, and Commissions have ignored the dissolution order.
“This attitude of these former Board members is unlawful and a gross disobedience of lawful order of a Chief Executive and a treasonable affront on the Leader of the state, wrong precedent and capable of embarrassing the lawful authority of the Governor,” he added.
He prayed the House to invite, question, and investigate erring Board Chairmen and Members and also ascertain the extent of damage the disobedience has caused the state.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong referred the Motion to the House Committee on Human Rights and Public Petitions.
Recall that Governor Umo Eno, during the Government House monthly Prayer Summit last Saturday held at Latter House Chapel, Uyo, reechoed the dissolution of the Boards.
Hear him. “I would also like to remind us that we have dissolved all non-statutory Boards. I understand that some people still go to the office, write memos and send them to me even after we have dissolved the Boards. When your salary doesn’t come, you will know we have dissolved the boards.
“You know, traditionally, on the 29th of May, when an administration’s tenure ends, you don’t need to be told that your tenure has ended. It is, however, sad that some people are still going to work. You don’t hear us announce the dissolution of State EXCO because it’s not necessary.
“And so they won’t sue the Government for not paying them, we announced that all non-statutory boards be dissolved.
I am not the type that always likes to make some noise and carry everything around me because power is transient. That is why people have a lot of problems exiting power.
“Please hand over to the next civil servant or any next person. Except you are on a statutory board or the Constituted Limited Liability Company, please do well to hand over and understand that your time is up. And don’t think that your coming back is mandatory.”
