“He’s born a governor. In this community we see him as a priest-king after the order of David.”
“He’s been leading since youth. That man knew he’s destined for greatness and has never stopped preparing himself for it”.
These were the words of Eddy Eton ,an indigene of Nsit Ubium local government area of Akwa Ibom State where Pastor Umo Eno, the governorship hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),hails from.
My journey to dig deep into the personae of Umo led me into his profile. Information gleaned from his curriculum vitae personate Umo Eno as an accomplished administrator, an entrepreneur par excellence and a minister of the gospel.
First degree in Political science and Public Administration shows Umo Eno a prepared man poised for leadership. A masters degree in public administration makes him a field specialist in both government and business.
From a humble background, armed with a vision and a mission, Umo Eno has distinguished himself as a banker, manager, marketer and an accomplished hospitality professional.
His dexterity in leadership in both private and public sector spans over 40 years with meaningful impact in all areas of engagement and has shaped policies that influence the community, state and the nation.
Many have opined that Umo Eno is an epitome of opportunity meeting preparation. Only a handful of skeptics have doubted his capability to steer the ship of state hence the question on the lips of the latter ‘why would Governor Udom choose Umo Eno as his preferred successor?
In my research I have found out that Pastor Umo Eno is a mix of both worlds of public and private sector.
As a skilled public administrator Governor Udom and the generality of Akwa Ibom people see him as the only one to maintain a healthy and robust intergovernmental relationship between the different layers of government and marry the relationships between the public or autonomous organisations and the business world, interest groups and citizens. This is particularly in consideration of the ongoing Udom’s ‘marshal plan’ (completion agenda)of public-private-partnership in industrialization and sustainable development.
In this era of failed policies, plan and abandoned projects only an astute public administrator in the mold of Umo Eno would research the possible consequences of policy proposals and plans to avoid duplication and wastages.
As a trained public administrator Umo Eno would evaluate not only the effectiveness of policy plans, but also whether they are compatible with our democracy and correspond to our values.
He would devise persuasive alternatives and test their political and social feasibility.
He would also cause to design and organise the development of the details of policy proposals.
Beyond this ,he would investigate whether the policy has, in reality, had the effect that was envisaged on paper. Because public administration is multidisciplinary ,Umo Eno would speak the language of various policy areas with particular reference to their peculiar effects on the people.
Governor Udom sees the business of governance as a progressive continuum. He understands that no single government can fix all Akwa Ibom problems. Udom believes Akwa Ibom State needs a successive corrective leadership .His government addresses some challenges. Umo Eno builds on the successes of his and others before him.
He believes Umo Eno would complete the ongoing projects across the state in line with the completion agenda of his government to provide infrastructure which would improve the quality of life for the people.
Going by the gale of endorsements the market people, the youths, students body ,the political class and the masses believe Umo Eno is the public administrator Akwa Ibom ever have to sustain peace and prosperity.
John Andrew ,a media strategist and public administrator, writes from Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo
