Gov. Umo Eno Scores High on Security and Inclusion Under the ARISE Agenda — Aide

Gov. Umo Eno Scores High on Security and Inclusion Under the ARISE Agenda — Aide 

By Emmanuel Iyoho

                   Comrade Kingsley Iwok

Comrade Kingsley Iwok, Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Mobilization in Abuja, has described Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s three years in office as “impactful and successful,” citing landmark strides in security, education, inclusion, and economic development under the ARISE Agenda.

Speaking in an interview, Iwok said the administration has fulfilled the social contract it signed with Akwa Ibom people, which is anchored on *A*griculture, *R*ural Development, *I*nfrastructure, *S*ecurity, and *E*ducation.

Iwok identified security as the administration’s most notable achievement, noting that Akwa Ibom is now rated among the most peaceful states in Nigeria despite national security challenges.

“It costs a lot to maintain security, but the Governor has deployed our resources effectively to ensure the state is well secured and enjoys absolute peace,” he said.

He credited the creation of the state’s first Ministry of Internal Security, the construction of a security command centre, the deployment of patrol vehicles and gunboats, and the Ibom Community Watch initiative for safeguarding lives and property on land and waterways.

“There can be no development in a society without peace, and that is exactly what the Governor is delivering,” Iwok added.

On governance style, the SA said Governor Eno has kept his campaign promise of an all-inclusive administration that carries every segment along, irrespective of party affiliation or sentiments.

“For 17 years, no one from the Abuja community was given an appointment by the state government. In the last two years, His Excellency asked the community to nominate representatives, and I am speaking here as a member of that community appointed by the Governor,” Iwok revealed.

He noted that over ₦6 billion has been disbursed as empowerment support funds for youths and women, while senior citizens now receive monthly stipends.

In education, Iwok said students are receiving bursaries and benefiting from government-sponsored academic programmes, including an international exchange trip for some students to London.

Economically, he highlighted the Uyo-Accra international flight as proof of visionary leadership in aviation. “Akwa Ibom State operates an international flight from Uyo to Accra, Ghana. That is a clear example of the forward-thinking leadership of Pastor Umo Eno,” he said.

Iwok urged Akwa Ibom people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and rally behind the Governor’s re-election bid in 2027.

“My message is simple: they should continue to support our Governor. As elections approach, all hands must be on deck to ensure his second-term bid becomes a reality,” he concluded.