We’ve Cleared N40bn in Bank Debts, Paid Inherited Gratuities — Akwa Ibom Gov

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has said his administration has paid gratuities inherited from previous governments dating back to 2011 and has paid off bank debts worth N40bn, as he highlighted the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms on subnationals.

Speaking during an appearance on Journalist Hangout on Friday, Eno said his government met outstanding gratuity liabilities accumulated over several years but has continued to settle the debts because states now have more funds at their disposal.

He also stressed his administration ensures salaries of state workers are being paid before the next month.

Eno said, “I believe that I have done well and it is because this president has supported sub-nationals. We just launched an airline and a hub for the West Africa subregion, and we finished that without borrowing a dime. Where do we get the money from? I have just told you the ripple effect on our economy. We are building schools, digitalised classrooms, solar panel-driven with light 24 hours, we have laboratories, we have teachers’ quarters. It’s a complete model school. We have 31 of them in 31 local government. We have 31 health centres in 31 local government.

Read Also: Umo Eno Gives One-Week Deadline To Review Akwa Ibom Drainage Plan After Flooding

“We are paying gratuities that we inherited from 2011; we’ve paid about N80 billion. Where will I get the money from? As we sit here, I’ve paid up all debt that I inherited from banks; almost N40 billion paid up. We are paying salaries as and when due; we are paying pensions. Since I became governor in this state, salaries have not crossed over to a new month, latest by the 28th of every month; everybody is paid.”

TVC News Online reports that the governor, who is seeking a second term in office, also revealed that there is no tension between him and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who is a two-time governor of the state.

Speaking on his relationship with former governors, he said that it was a matter of treating them as his elders and that he respects them a lot.