The Akwa Ibom State government has described as a “beer parlour” conversation the allegations that the immediate past governor of the state, Udom Emmanuel is still in possession of the governor’s official jet.
Ever since the present Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno was spotted boarding the State owned commercial Ibom Air for an official engagement outside the state, the media have been awash with claims that Udom Emmanuel denied Governor Eno access to the jet.
The Senior Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Research and Documentation, Mr Ndueso Ekwere speaking during a radio program in Uyo on Friday said the governor boarded the commercial aircraft to have first hand experience with the state’s airline to guide his decision making.
He also explained that Governor Eno used the opportunity of patronizing Ibom Air in his official capacity as Governor of the State to share the experiences of other passengers and wondered why some people would rather misinterpret that action “with unsubstantiated claims.”
According to him, “the governor during his campaign tour promised that he would occasionally be flying Ibom Air to have the same experience as every other passenger. He said he is not a Governor who sits in his comfort zone in the office to receive reports from the field but one who will go out to feel and experience the realities of investments and public utilities funded with public funds. I wonder why some people chose to misinterpret the good intentions of the governor.
“Even at the airport, you could see him subjecting himself to thorough check and other airport procedures, that is because he wishes to lead by example. Such actions should not be misinterpreted, but seen as actions that make him more connected to his people.
He explained that Mr Emmanuel, despite being the immediate past Governor and former boss to the current Governor, has not shown any overbearing attitude to his successor but even came to declare during the state dialogue that there can only be one leader at a time in the state, being Governor Eno.