Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has declared that traditional village heads will be held accountable for any act of vandalism targeting government property within their communities.
The governor issued the warning at the Government House in Uyo during an interaction with journalists over the weekend, stressing that his administration would no longer tolerate the destruction of public assets.
Eno stated that any community found culpable of failing to safeguard government facilities would face sanctions, including the withdrawal of official recognition from the affected village head.
“Where there is government presence in a village and public property is vandalised, we will withdraw the certificate of the village head,” he said.
The governor lamented the spate of attacks on public infrastructure, particularly newly renovated and well-equipped schools, describing the trend as unacceptable and detrimental to development efforts.
To address the situation, he directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong, alongside the state chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, to urgently convene a meeting with village heads across the state to convey the government’s position.
Eno also called on residents to be vigilant and take collective responsibility for protecting public facilities, noting that such assets belong to the people and serve the common good.
On plans to provide mini water schemes in every ward, the governor explained that the projects would be executed through the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Committee.
He further instructed that his personal assistants in the various wards be actively involved in the implementation process to ensure effective delivery.