The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called for peace and restraint ahead of the proposed nationwide hunger protest set to begin on August 1.
Addressing key stakeholders, including leaders of youth groups, market associations, organized labor, and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Ikeja, Governor Eno emphasized the importance of maintaining the state’s longstanding peace and preventing the protest from being hijacked by miscreants and hoodlums.
Governor Eno questioned the necessity of the protest in Akwa Ibom, highlighting his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the state’s citizens.
“Let me also emphasize that we are a peaceful State and we have maintained this hard-won peace over the years.
I want to appeal, if at all, you will participate in the planned protest to please do so peacefully,” he stated. He further urged, “You must ensure that miscreants and hoodlums do not hijack your protest.”
The governor outlined several initiatives his administration has implemented to alleviate hardship, including the payment of over N22 billion in gratuities to retired civil servants, a N50,000 stipend for the elderly under the ARISE Elderly Care Initiative, and a free voucher program that has benefited over 314,422 families.
He also mentioned the state’s efforts in social transfers to vulnerable groups and the payment of a three-month wage award to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
“We have paid the 13th-month salary tagged ‘Enomber’ last December and about a month ago, paid 1.1 billion Naira as a bonus to all public service workers to mark the ‘Public Service Week,'” Governor Eno added.
“We have released the 2023 promotion and increased the pensions of those who retired before 2012. We have approved the release of the outstanding 7.7 per cent Contributory Pension to contributors.”
In response, representatives from various groups expressed their support for the governor’s efforts and distanced themselves from the planned protest.
Mr. Harry Udoh, representing the CSOs, praised the governor for his impact across various sectors, including palliative distribution, bursary awards, skill training, and prompt salary payments. He urged for a fair distribution of ongoing palliatives across the state.
The Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, commended Governor Eno for his development initiatives, stating that the planned protest was unnecessary in Akwa Ibom.
He called for continued support for the administration to ensure further benefits of democracy.
Similarly, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Udom Ekpoudom, appealed to Niger Delta youths to avoid the protest, arguing that previous protests, like the #EndSARS movement in 2020, did not solve the nation’s problems.
“I don’t see how the protest will help Nigeria solve its problems; Protests can never be the solution to our problems,” Ekpoudom stated, warning that such actions could exacerbate the situation and discourage foreign investors.
Ekpoudom stressed the importance of collective efforts to address the country’s challenges, urging all Nigerians, including opposition parties, to support the government’s initiatives.
“What will bring about positive change is for everyone to support the government to succeed in its programs aimed at addressing the challenges of this country,” he said.
He concluded by appealing to the organizers of the protest to reconsider their decision, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation in moving Nigeria’s economy forward.
“So, I am saying all hands must be on deck to move the economy of Nigeria forward,” he urged.
