By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has said that his recent patronage of the state-owned commercial airline, Ibom Air, for official engagements outside the state was to promote the brand and offer him more insights into the operations of the airline.
He has also confirmed that the immediate past Governor, Udom Emmanuel is not in custody of the official Governor’s jet as being insinuated in some quarters, urging people to desist from malicious and baseless allegations that serve no good intent and purpose.
Eno who was fielding questions from newsmen at the Victor Attah Int’l Airport shortly on arrival from official engagements outside the state yesterday explained that his position as Governor of the State, has made him the chief marketing officer of the airline.
The Governor stressed that his decision to travel on board IbomAir was also to observe the airline’s standard in service delivery, which he described as spectacular and workd- class, which is the reason why the airline is the most preferred by air travelers in the nation.
He wondered what the people would say when he would travel in the soon- to be launched palliative buses that would be introduced to cushion the harsh effects of fuel subsidy removal adding that his style of administration is to demystify governance, so as to enable him connect easily with the ordinary people.
“We are promoting Akwa Ibom Brand and the state -owns hundred percent shares in this airline, by virtue of my office , i am the chief marketing officer of the airline if you may ask. My job is to promote our brand.
“We are planning to bring buses as part of the palliative. We are in talks with some companies. When the buses finally come and I board one of those buses, would people now say the immediate past Governor has taken over my official vehicles?
“There is no truth whatsoever that the immediate past Governor is with our aircraft. This is not just the kind of things we should be talking or arguing about. Akwa Ibom should move beyond this sort of cheap talk.
“Again, I want to put it very clear that everyone has his style of leadership. My own style is to demystify governance. I like to get in contact with people, and I like to be myself. This Government thing will come and go. So what is the big deal?” He querried.