Our Reporter, Abuja
Rights activist Inibehe Effiong on Tuesday intensified his criticism of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, accusing him of living extravagantly despite economic hardship in Akwa Ibom State.
In a series of posts on X, Effiong questioned the justification for what he described as the governor’s luxury lifestyle, particularly amid rising poverty, unemployment and poor infrastructure in the state.
Focusing on reports of expensive fashion items, Effiong directly challenged claims that the governor could afford such spending from official earnings.
“If you believe that a person that earns ₦185,308 per month will or can buy a shoe worth two million Naira, then you’re a joker,” he wrote.
He further pressed supporters of the governor to provide evidence that Eno owned similarly expensive items before assuming office.
“Show me evidence of Umo Eno wearing a shoe worth two million Naira before he became a public office holder,” the human rights lawyer stated.
Effiong cited figures from the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, noting that a governor’s total annual remuneration is about ₦11.5 million, arguing that such income does not support the level of luxury being alleged.
“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,” Effiong insisted.
The activist also drew comparisons with former governors of the state, accusing citizens of repeating what he called a pattern of justification.
“Akwa Ibom people made the same silly excuses for Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel. It’s a familiar but pathetic excuse,” he wrote.
“Both Akpabio and Udom constructed mansions when they became governors. They didn’t acquire multi-billion Naira assets with their so-called wealth before they assumed public offices.”
The activist maintained that public officials must be held accountable for their lifestyle while in office, insisting that citizens have a right to scrutinise the conduct of elected leaders.
“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.”
Effiong insisted that as long as Eno remains a public office holder, his lifestyle would remain subject to public scrutiny.
“As long as he is a public servant, and my governor, his lifestyle and actions will always be my business,” he said.
