PDP Governor Queries Over 200 Aides for ‘Disloyalty’

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued a query to over 200 of his aides, accusing them of disloyalty and insubordination after they failed to attend a government function without permission. 

Eno, a first-time governor and a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), made history in Akwa Ibom by appointing an unprecedented number of aides. He has 368 aides representing every ward in the state, along with 50 media aides and several others under different political and administrative categories. 

The affected aides, many of whom hold positions as Senior Special Assistants (SSA), Special Assistants (SA), and Personal Assistants (PA), were absent at the commissioning of Model Health Centres in Udung Uko and Ika Local Government Areas on February 21. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Enobong Uwah, signed the query on February 25, demanding an explanation within 48 hours. 

According to the letter, failure to respond within the given timeframe would result in disciplinary action. “It is on this note that you are directed to explain why disciplinary measures should not be taken against you for such an act of disobedience,” the letter warned. 

Recall that a statement released on September 4, 2024, also signed by Mr Uwah, reminded all political appointees—including commissioners, advisers, and board members—that it is mandatory to attend all state functions.

The directive was part of the governor’s Arise Agenda, a development blueprint aimed at fostering unity and effective governance. 

“The governor expects absolute loyalty from all political appointees. Their presence at government functions is non-negotiable,” the statement read. 

Many of the queried aides, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration over the situation. Some argue that attending every state event is difficult because the government does not provide transportation allowances. 

“They expect us to use our personal salaries for transportation to government events,” one aide lamented. “In previous administrations, funds were released to mobilize supporters for government events. Now, we are expected to play that role ourselves.” 

Another aide revealed that some of them had resorted to pooling money to fuel their cars just to attend official events. “Sometimes, four of us contribute money to buy fuel so we can go together,” he explained. 

Others questioned why they had not received the transportation allowances they were promised. “I fall under the category of aides who should receive a transport allowance, but I haven’t received a kobo since my appointment,” one official disclosed. 

There are growing concerns among the affected aides that the government may impose a six-month suspension without salary as punishment. 

“They are planning to suspend us for six months without pay. This is the consequence of what we voted for,” an aide remarked. 

However, not all aides were affected. A personal assistant at the ward level explained that ward-based aides were only required to attend events within their respective wards. “That’s why I didn’t get a query,” he clarified. 

Many of the aides also feared speaking openly due to a media restriction imposed by the governor. According to sources, only the Secretary to the State Government, the Information Commissioner, and the governor’s official spokesperson are authorized to speak to the press.