“Governor Umo Eno has gotten away with murder” — Human rights lawyer

A human rights lawyer has sparked fresh debate over governance and accountability in Akwa Ibom State after criticising the leadership style of Governor Umo Eno.

Inibehe Effiong made the remarks in a post shared on X, where he accused the governor of prioritising personal luxury over the welfare of citizens.

His comments have since drawn mixed reactions, with some residents backing his concerns while others defended the state government.

Allegations of misplaced priorities

In his post, Effiong painted a grim picture of the state, alleging widespread poverty, unemployment and poor educational infrastructure despite its wealth.

He also criticised what he described as a culture of political patronage, claiming that basic items were being distributed to citizens while leaders lived in luxury.

The lawyer further accused Governor Umo Eno of engaging in extravagant spending, including building a personal residence shortly after assuming office.

Full statement by Inibehe Effiong

“Rice for women, N50,000 for the youths, t-shirts and drinks for campaigners, while ‘His Excellency’ wears shoes worth millions of Naira.

This is the sad story of a rich State with dilapidated schools everywhere, a State that is notorious for high unemployment, about 600,000 out of school children and embarrassing level of poverty.

Within his first few months in office, Governor Umo Eno started and completed a mansion for himself in Ewet Housing Estate (the most expensive part of the State).

He has continued the ostentatious lifestyle and very reckless waste of resources like his predecessors.

I see people praising him for his outstanding dressing and fashion sense. That is what you get when people transition from citizens to slaves.

The madness in Akwa Ibom cannot be cured through prayers and fasting. When people don’t ask critical questions, politicians get away with murder.

Umo Eno has gotten away with murder.”