Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, the governor described the civil service as central to the success of his administration’s ARISE Agenda and stressed the need for a competent and motivated workforce.
“The Civil Service is the critical piece of our ARISE Agenda, and it is my hope and belief that under the leadership of the new Head of Service, we will continue to work together, grow together, and serve our dear State with faithfulness, dedication, and unbridled passion,” he said.
Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that salaries and pensions are paid regularly, and most agreements reached with organised labour have been implemented. He highlighted the state’s progress in clearing gratuities, which stood at a backlog of N110 billion from 2012 to May 29, 2023.
“We have paid over N75.2 billion of the inherited backlog. Another N1.3 billion was recently released, and we have cleared arrears from 2012 to March 2021,” he said, describing the achievement as a fulfilment of his campaign promise. He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting states with funds for capital and recurrent obligations.
Congratulating the new Head of Service, the governor expressed confidence in her capacity to lead a civil service built on loyalty, professionalism, and alignment with the ARISE Agenda.
“Faithfulness, which is also loyalty, is not optional but a requirement. God looks for faithfulness more than talents. He does not look for the most educated or the most charismatic; He looks for the most faithful,” Eno said.
He cautioned government appointees and civil servants against disloyalty, stressing that anyone unwilling to work with the administration’s vision is free to step aside.
“Everybody may not agree with us, and that is allowed. But what we will not tolerate is for people to believe they can be in government and work against the government. My appointees are expected to interpret my vision for the development of the State. Faithfulness and loyalty should be sacrosanct and non-negotiable,” he warned.
Governor Eno also commended the immediate past Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, for his diligent service and for helping align the civil service with the ARISE Agenda, particularly in promoting a lean, professional, and ICT-enabled workforce.
Speaking with Government House Correspondents after her swearing-in, Mrs. Elsie Peters expressed gratitude to God and the governor for the opportunity, pledging to elevate the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service to standards comparable to those in advanced societies.
