By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
A good governance advocate and renowned clergy in the African Church, Revd Richard Peters has defended political appointments so far made by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, saying criticism of those appointments were done in bad faith.
This is after some critics faulted the first set of appointments made on Tuesday, describing them as fallen short of public expectations in a program anchored by a private radio station monitored by our Correspondent today in Uyo
Peters, told newsmen yesterday in Uyo that such criticisms were insensitive adding that it’s unfortunate to take on the new governor on his first set of appointments, an action he noted was his prerogative.
“People should respect the governor’s choice of Secretary to the state government SSG, Chief Press Secretary CPS, Director of Protocol, Senior Special Assistant Media and Chief Economic Adviser because outside being his right to appoint them, those appointed are eminently qualified and have track record in thier various chosen career.
“It is within the purview of the governor to appoint those who will help him interpret his vision for the state, and as the man at the helms of affairs in the state, the bulk stops at his table.
“It is very clear that the Critics of his first appointments are those who tirelessly criticised and blackmail him during the electioneering campaign and did everything possible to frustrate his elevation as the governor.
“We must not turn to arm chair critics, Gov Umo Eno like other good leaders encourage objective criticism but a descent into blind criticism of the appointments made by his few days old administration is unacceptable.” He maintained.
Peters who is also a former aide to former Governor Udom Emmanuel intoned that for geninue development to continue, leaders should be encouraged and allowed to take decisive decisions for the benefit of the people.
” I know the incumbent Governor as a man who is very tolerant of critics, that was displayed by his actions and comportment during the campaigns, then he was unperturbed and now at the helms of affairs I doubt if anything has changed.
“You can’t start assessment on a student who is less than a few days in class. It will be wiser to do so after a specific period.” He said.
The clergy, who said the governor came prepared for governance and had on several occasions pledged to use his ARISE agenda to take the state to the next level appealed to the radio stations to control people who come air to pour vituperation on leaders in order to avoid heating up the polity.
He also described as amusing the demand that the new governor make public his commissioners immediately when a new State House of Assembly is yet to be inaugurated stressing that it amounts to putting the cart before the horse.
“We believe that he will appoint competent, capable and committed persons with good conscience to every position as time progresses, what is paramount now is our prayers and support.” He concluded
