Arrangements have been concluded for the swearing-in of no fewer than 27 Commissioner/Special Adviser nominees named into the new Akwa Ibom State Executive Council (SEC), by Governor Umo Eno, as the House of Assembly, LEADERSHIP learnt would confirm them on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the plenary.
Governor Eno, had sacked the cabinet he inherited from his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, about two years ago, and reconstituted it with some additional portfolios including Youths and Humanitarian Affairs’ ministries.
There was protest over some old members of the immediate past cabinet amongst the nine who were returned in line with the governor’s plans to rejig his SEC with old and experienced hands and some young blood to effectively drive the administration’s ARISE Agenda blueprint.
Our correspondent learnt the committee saddled with the responsibility of subjecting the new officials to screening tests has concluded its work and cleared the appointees for portfolio assignments and subsequent swearing-in by the governor.
The House of Assembly led by the speaker, Elder Udeme Otong (Abak), had given a one-week time frame to the chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petitions, who doubles as the member representing Nsit Atai state constituency, Hon. Prince-aniefiok Attah, to deliver the assignment.
However, the screening process ended at the weekend at the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel at Ikot Ekpene LGA.
Speaking after the screening, the chairman said, “The 27 nominees appeared before the Committee with all the requirements requested from them for screening,” adding that with the calibre of persons nominated, he was convinced that “the governor is serious about achieving his Arise Agenda.”
He disclosed that “from the nominees’ curriculum vitae and interviews conducted by our committee, all the nominees, aside from their rich academic backgrounds, are vastly experienced, energetic, willing and ready to bring their wealth of experience in assisting the governor to deliver the best for the people of Akwa Ibom State.”
Therefore, the chairman hinted that the committee was ready to present the nominees to the House on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, for confirmation and subsequent swearing-in by the governor.
