Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno has admitted to being under pressure to form the cabinet and disclosed reasons for the delay.
According to him, the new regime will determine those to be part of the governance process while taking merit and hard work into consideration.
He disclosed that the formation of the new State Executive Council (SEC) has to be put on hold over three months after the election.
Speaking during the Sunday service at All Nations Christian Ministry International (ANCMI), Eket Local Government Area, where he personally preached, Eno disclosed that he has been under pressure from political jobbers and other lobbyists, to be appointed into the system, but was quick to clarify that only hardwork and merit will be the necessary criteria for naming people into key portfolios in his government.
He recalled that at a point, he used to be a hawaker of soft drinks on the streets of Lagos and Ikeja Airport, as a Senior Prefect in High School to aid his family and education, after the death of his Policeman father.
He said: “Even as a Senior Prefect (SP) in High School, I sold drinks on the streets of Lagos to support my mother. I sold drinks at the airport.
“One day, a junior student who was traveling with the parents through the airport came by me. Of course I had to show him that I am the SP, gave him the drink free. The following week, he went and started taunting me in school, that I sell drinks at the airport. The principal was furious and had to punish the student. He sent for my parents and told them to watch me, and see what I will be in future.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it well, rather than sending me text to ask for appointment, get something doing and my government will support you to grow. I hold my own umbrella and I carry my own phones.
“That means I don’t need Personal Assistants (PAs) on Umbrella, and on Phone carrying. We cannot give 7.9 million people appointments, but we will help business owners to grow their businesses.
“I remember when I used to hold management meetings with my staff. I told them that this job, I will do it with all my strength, with all my heart, such that, when they are looking for a Governor in this State, they will look for me. At that time, I never had any intention of going into politics.”
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