The All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State has criticized Governor Umo Eno’s newly constituted State Executive Council, accusing him of offering “a second chance for failure.”
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the APC Media Network, Iniobong John, the party described the appointments as a “war council” and “a recipe for disaster,” asserting that many of the nominees were selected based on political loyalty rather than their qualifications or performance.
Recall that Governor Umo Eno recently forwarded a list of 27 nominees for commissioner and special adviser positions to the state House of Assembly, requesting prompt approval. However, the APC has expressed dissatisfaction with the choices, particularly the reappointment of former National Assembly members, ex-council chairmen, and past commissioners who they claim had “performed woefully” in their previous roles.
The APC criticized the new cabinet for largely being made up of individuals who have previously failed to meet expectations in office. The party noted that, except for a few appointees from academia and the health sector, the list was dominated by “yesterday’s men and women” who had not proven their competence in the past.
The APC pointed out that figures such as Henry Archibong, Nsikak Ekong, Aniekan Umanah, Anthony Luke, Alice Ekpenyong, and Emem Ibanga exemplify a history of incompetence and division.
The party expressed frustration that these individuals were being given another opportunity to fail, despite their past shortcomings.
The opposition party also raised concerns over Governor Eno’s “Peace Sustenance” agenda, arguing that the appointments of Aniekan Umanah and Anthony Luke contradicted this policy. Umanah, as a former Commissioner for Information, was accused of fostering divisive rhetoric, particularly against APC leaders, while Luke was allegedly involved in political violence, using thugs to intimidate APC members in the Essien Udim Local Government Area.
Additionally, the APC took issue with what they termed the “marginalization of Oro Nation,” noting that despite the Oro Federal Constituency having five local government areas, it was allocated only two commissioner positions. Meanwhile, Eket LGA, with fewer local governments, received two nominees.
The party also accused former Governor Udom Emmanuel of maintaining undue influence over the current administration, which they claimed undermines transparency and democratic values in the state. Despite the criticisms, the APC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance and holding the government accountable while supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in Akwa Ibom.
“Except for a few appointees from academia and one from the health sector, the list would have been entirely populated by yesterday’s men and women who have failed to justify the confidence placed in them in bygone years.
“One would have thought that after serving out their tenures in previous offices, they would quietly return home to avoid further infuriating the populace. Instead, they have returned with aplomb to fail us once again.
“The likes of Henry Archibong, Nsikak Ekong, Aniekan Umanah, Anthony Luke, Alice Ekpenyong, and Emem Ibanga epitomize ineptitude and strife.
“Furthermore, as Gov Umo Eno promotes his much-hyped “Peace Sustenance” agenda, we must point out that the appointments of Hon. Aniekan Umanah and Hon. Anthony Luke (Aluko) to the State Executive Council deviate from this policy.
“Aniekan Umanah, during his previous tenure as Commissioner of Information, was widely known for using his office to engage in divisive rhetoric, targeting leaders of the APC and exacerbating ethnic tensions within the state.
“Similarly, Hon. Anthony Luke (Aluko) has been associated with allegations of political violence, including the use of thugs to intimidate and attack APC members in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
“Such appointments, in our view, do not align with the principles of inclusivity, integrity, and effective governance.” The statement claimed.
