Gov Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has explained that he returned all former governor Udom Emmanuel’s commissioners because they took political arrows on his behalf during the elections.
Speaking during the inauguration of the new Commissioners at the banquet hall, government house Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital, the governor said now was the time to reciprocate the good gesture.
According to him, it would be unfair to abandon the Commissioners having worked hard to ensure his emergence as the governor.
Gov Eno admitted that he was inundated with the question of why he did not appoint new and fresh persons into his cabinet.
He explained that though they may be old persons but a new template of Execution and Implementation of responsibilities have been handed over to them and they are expected to execute it accordingly.
“I have been asked this question severally: “Your Excellency, we had expected to see the injection of new blood into the State EXCO, why are you bringing back the same old blood”?
“My answer has been standard and direct: You do not abandon your foot soldiers shortly after a successful execution of a major victory.
“I know these ‘old blood’ very well. We went to the battle to continue good governance together, we were in the trenches together; we swatted away the bullets of vicious attacks together, most of you spent long hours traversing the length and crannies of this State together with me, most of you took political arrows on my behalf.
“Therefore, it is only fitting, we bring back tested hands with the right experience and who understand the System, to join us, and work for continuation of the peace, growth and transformation of our State in line with our ARISE Agenda and the Roadmap they will soon be presented.” He said.
