Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has defended the welfare package of his Personal Assistants, insisting that none of them earns less than ₦1 million monthly.
Speaking during a constituency engagement with residents of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency on Friday, the governor dismissed criticism of the pay structure as “pure mischief,” arguing that the figure was far from a token.
“No PA in this administration earns less than a million naira. When some of them speak, they make it sound like a mere stipend. To me, ₦1m is not a stipend, it is serious money,” he said.
Governor Eno commended Blessed Essien, a PA on Protocol, who used part of his earnings to fund a borehole and water distribution system in his community.
Describing the project as exemplary, the governor said Essien’s initiative reflected the spirit of service his administration expects from appointees.
As part of transparency efforts, Eno announced plans to publish in national newspapers the full list of political appointees and their local government areas, urging citizens to demand accountability.
“Call your PAs, call your SAs, your SSAs, even your commissioners. Ask them what they’ve done for you,” he charged.
In recognition of his community project, the governor elevated Essien to the position of Special Assistant on Public Works.