Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has faulted claims that his Personal Assistants (PAs) are poorly remunerated, describing such criticisms as “pure mischief.”
Speaking on Friday during a constituency engagement with residents of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, the governor insisted that none of his PAs takes home less than ₦1 million monthly.
“Let me set the record straight, no PA in this administration earns less than a million naira. When some of them speak, they make it sound like a mere stipend. To me, ₦1m is not a stipend, it is serious money,” Eno said.
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Governor Eno cited the example of one of his aides, Blessed Essien, a PA on Protocol, who reportedly used part of his earnings to provide a borehole and water distribution system for his community.
“Here is a young man who, out of the allowance you all call ‘stipend,’ executed a project that benefits his people. That is the spirit we want,” he added.
The governor also announced plans to publish the full list of political appointees and their local government areas in national newspapers, saying the move would promote accountability.
“Call your PAs, call your SAs, your SSAs, even your commissioners, ask them what they’ve done for you,” he charged.
In a symbolic move, Eno elevated Essien to the position of Special Assistant on Public Works, citing his initiative as a model of responsible leadership.
