Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has broken his silence a month after the dismissal of the former Managing Director of the state-owned Ibom Power Company, Engr. Meyen Etukudoh. Speaking at the ongoing Inter Ministerial Briefings/End of Year Review in Uyo on Tuesday, Governor Eno explained that the decision to sack Etukudoh was necessary to restore order and promote development in the power sector.
The former MD’s removal followed his public statement blaming a four-day power outage in the state on the failure of Acugas, the gas supplier, due to unpaid debts. Within hours of this announcement, the Akwa Ibom State Government dismissed Etukudoh without offering an official explanation. However, it was widely believed that his press statement, which publicly criticized the state government, played a role in his removal.
Governor Eno emphasized that public servants, including Etukudoh, must obtain clearance from the appropriate authorities before issuing public statements. He criticized the former MD for failing to handle the gas supply issue diplomatically, particularly given that the state owed Acugas N40 billion. The governor also expressed concern that the inciting nature of the statement could have provoked violence, though he praised the state’s youth for their restraint during the situation.
Furthermore, Governor Eno outlined plans to convene a power summit in early 2025 to involve key stakeholders in developing a Power Master Plan aimed at driving industrial growth and ensuring 24-hour power supply in Akwa Ibom. He also urged the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Camillus Umoh, to make the realization of continuous power supply a priority.
Governor Eno also reflected on his tenure, noting that during his 18 months in office, the only briefing he received from Ibom Power came from the Commissioner for Power, rather than from the MD. He criticized the decision to hand over control of the plant to a contractor while the MD was on leave, comparing it to a car owner entrusting their vehicle to a mechanic without proper oversight.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the dismissal, Eno reiterated that public servants must adhere to proper channels and act responsibly when representing the government.
