GOV UMO ENO: BUDGETING, TRANSPARENCY AND STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

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GOV UMO ENO: BUDGETING, TRANSPARENCY AND STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
Emmanuel Nicholas
Leadership represents a multifaceted construct, often devoid of universal benchmarks for evaluation.
Each leader ascends to their esteemed position with a distinctive agenda, driven by personal motivations that reflect their unique aspirations and circumstances.
As Nelson Mandela eloquently stated, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Indeed, the essence of leadership lies not only in the individual’s vision but also in the impact they create on the broader tapestry of society.
Governor Umo ENO, Ph.D., entered the realm of governance with an unwavering commitment to completion. His primary motivation is to ensure that all projects—whether initiated by himself or his predecessors—are fully realized and effectively utilized for the benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom.
He is deeply averse to the notion of the state allocating excessive resources toward servicing loans rather than repaying them. His resolute character compels him to feel a profound discomfort at the idea of the state accruing additional liabilities, whether to employees, pensioners, or contractors.
Determined not to exacerbate the state’s debt burden, Governor Eno has deliberately avoided securing any loans since taking office as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
His vision is to liberate the state from financial encumbrances and expedite its development through the judicious use of available resources, all while ensuring that no segment of the local economy faces neglect or marginalization.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Governor Eno embodies this spirit of determination in his quest to transform Akwa Ibom.
The recent commotion stirred by certain unnamed groups questioning the budget proposal for the State’s private jet is fundamentally misguided. It is imperative to set the record straight to ensure that the unsuspecting public is not misled into believing falsehoods.
To clarify, the Bombardier aircraft was acquired during the administration of Chief Godswil Obot Akpabio, who served as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and is now the Senate President of Nigeria. This acquisition was executed through a financing system designed for gradual repayment.
Over the years, the State has been diligently working to fulfill this financial obligation. However, as the Naira continues to depreciate, the overall cost of the aircraft has escalated. Furthermore, the longer the State takes to settle this debt, the more interest accumulates on the existing amount.
In a display of astute leadership and a commitment to responsible governance, the Governor opted to commercialize the aircraft. This strategic decision was made to generate revenue from the investment, rather than limiting its use solely to official logistics.
The Governor is determined to prevent the State from incurring additional liabilities associated with the aircraft purchase and seeks to clear the remaining balance for its outright ownership. To facilitate this, he has proposed an increase in the budget allocation to accommodate these expenses.
Although the private jet was involved in an accident in the past, and there was need for major repairs,which manufacturer mandated the State conduct replacement most of the aircraft parts ..
So with the repairs and repayment of indebtedness, the State so far has only utilized half of the proposed 20 billion Naira budgeted for this purpose.
“Budgetary allocations are merely proposals and not actual appropriations. Groups writing about budgetary allocations should first assess the record of expenditures during the appropriation before going to the press.
Furthermore, those who criticize never seek to understand the purpose of the allocation. It is not only intended for maintenance; it was also meant to enable the state to fully own the aircraft by settling its debt to the manufacturer.”
In prior discussions, some individuals have suggested selling the aircraft without recognizing that the State still has outstanding payments owed to the manufacturer.
It is crucial to understand that attempting to sell an aircraft that has not been entirely paid for would lead to legal complications, as such actions would violate the terms of the purchase contract.
Buying an aircraft is a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration of various factors to ensure that the investment meets operational needs and regulatory requirements.
I have also come across discussions on the Yahoo forum in which several individuals from Akwa Ibom residing abroad have expressed their criticism regarding Governor Umo Eno’s vision for completing the conference center at Ibom Tropicana.
This prompted me to contemplate the merits of allowing such an investment to languish versus completing it and putting it to use, thereby recouping the state’s financial commitment.
Akwa Ibom State has emerged as a preferred destination, largely due to its serene environment and peaceful nature , which has successfully attracted numerous conferences.
However, when organizers of these conferences visit to evaluate potential venues that meet their desired standards and capacity, they often leave disappointed, seeking alternatives in other states that can offer more appealing conference centers.
The Ibom Tropicana Conference Center boasts a seating capacity for 5,000 attendees and, upon completion, will feature advanced technological facilities that would enable a lecturer to deliver a presentation from Los Angeles, USA, directly to an audience in Uyo, Nigeria.
Establishing this conference center will not only allow the state to recoup its investment but also generate profit while providing employment opportunities for our youth.
Additionally, participants in the Yahoo forum suggested that if the Governor intends to complete the conference center, it would be prudent to also complete the accompanying hotel and both dry and wet parks.
Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D., has committed to completing the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center, and he is addressing each component sequentially. The conference center is included in the 2025 budget proposal, and I am confident that the hotel will be part of the subsequent budgetary allocations.
Lastly, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State embodies a progressive and responsible leadership ethos, prioritizing transparency and fiscal prudence.
His commitment to safeguarding state resources and avoiding excessive indebtedness reflects a forward-thinking approach that aims to foster sustainable development.
By focusing on the completion of projects that generate profit for the state, Governor Eno is not only investing in the present but also laying a solid foundation for future growth and prosperity.
His leadership style serves as a model for effective governance, demonstrating that transparency and strategic planning can lead to a thriving and resilient State .

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