••• says AKSG’ll introduce buses for public transport as subsidy palliative
By Itoro Bassey
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has stated that holding the office of governor is no big deal, a slang ordinarily indicating that it (governor’s office) is not a big problem, or it is not anything to worry about.
Mr Eno who spoke in Uyo, weekend, described his decision to fly the state-owned airline, Ibom Air, recently instead of using his official jet, as a strategic marketing move for the state.
Eno said he believed in demystifying governance and connecting with people on a personal level, emphasizing that political power is temporary.
Addressing the rumors surrounding the whereabouts of the state’s official jet, the governor dismissed them as baseless and malicious, urging the people of Akwa Ibom State to move beyond such trivial discussions.
Eno said his focus centred on implementing measures to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal in the country, including the introduction of public transportation buses.
He revealed ongoing talks with potential partners, even as he assured the public that the buses would soon be available.
Eno said as the chief marketing officer of the state-owned airline, he was dedicated to promoting and building the Akwa Ibom brand.
“We are promoting the Akwa Ibom brand and the state owns a hundred per cent shares in this airline. By virtue of my office, I am the chief marketing officer of the airline if you may ask. My job is to promote our brand.
“We are planning to bring buses as part of the palliative. We are in talks with some companies. When the buses finally come and I board one of those buses, would people now say the immediate past Governor has taken over my official vehicles?
“There is no truth whatsoever that the immediate past Governor is with our aircraft. This is not just the kind of thing we should be talking or arguing about. Akwa Ibom should move beyond this sort of cheap talk.
“Again, I want to make it very clear that everyone has his style of leadership. My own style is to demystify governance. I like to get in contact with people, and I like to be myself. This government thing will come and go. So what is the big deal?”, he stated.
