Pastor Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State recently announced a 100 percent salary increment for his 368 Personal Assistants (PAs), raising their monthly earnings from ₦250,000 to a staggering ₦500,000 each. While some have praised this move as a demonstration of political inclusiveness and grassroots empowerment, TheNigeriaLawyer finds this action grossly insensitive, especially when juxtaposed with the reality faced by civil servants and members of the judiciary in the same state.
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Whereas civil servants continue to beg for a ₦70,000 minimum wage, still a mirage despite worsening inflation, political aides with no defined statutory duties are receiving a monthly sum that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, the earnings of judicial officers such as Magistrates and even Chief Magistrates. For context, a Magistrate Grade 1-3 earns between ₦208,333 and ₦266,667 monthly, while a Chief Magistrate receives about ₦316,667. Many do not even have official vehicles or the necessary tools to carry out their constitutional duties effectively.
Yes, magistrates receive certain allowances, including wardrobe, hazard, domestic servant, and responsibility allowances among others, but these are grossly inadequate in light of the workload, risk, and importance of their roles in maintaining law and order in society. Governor Eno’s prioritization of political aides over critical judicial and civil service workers is a misplacement of values, one that sends a dangerous message that public office is not about service, but patronage.
How can we, in good conscience, continue to underfund the judiciary, a co-equal arm of government, while lavishing scarce resources on political aides with questionable deliverables?
Even more troubling is Governor Eno’s recent directive, captured in a leaked video broadcast by Channels Television, instructing his political appointees to either follow him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign. The video has since triggered backlash not just for its content, but for the punitive aftermath, the barring of Channels Television’s veteran reporter, Christopher Morah, and his crew from the Government House Press Centre. This is nothing short of a gross abuse of power.
Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) entrusts the press with the duty to hold government accountable. It reads:
“The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”
By penalizing journalists for performing their constitutionally protected duty, Governor Eno not only undermines the rule of law but also stains the pastoral title he carries. It is deeply disappointing that a man who styles himself a pastor would resort to media suppression simply because the truth became inconvenient.
While we commend Governor Eno’s efforts in food distribution and agricultural relaunch initiatives, we are equally compelled to express profound disappointment at these undemocratic tendencies. Barring the press and turning political appointments into economic lifelines while the judiciary suffers is a betrayal of both public trust and constitutional governance.
At TheNigeriaLawyer, we remind Governor Eno and others like him that power is transient, and history will not forget. Like in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, when some animals become “more equal than others,” a tipping point is inevitable. Nigerian politicians should be wary. The civil and public servants considered “inconsequential” today may become the storm tomorrow.
Let the Governor reflect. Is this the legacy he truly wants?
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Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
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