Eno warns Akwa Ibom village heads against vandalisation of public utilities

Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has dished out stern warning to Village Heads across the State, declaring that they will be held accountable for any further vandalism of Government property and public utilities within their Communities.

The governor, who made the warning during the State Government House Monthly Prayer Service at the Latter House Chapel, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital, said his Administration would no longer tolerate the destruction of public facilities.

Governor Eno made it clear that any village where Government infrastructure were vandalised, would face serious consequences, including the withdrawal of the village head’s certificate of recognition.

“Any village that we have a Government presence, and there is vandalism of Government property in that village, we will withdraw the Certificate of the Village Head”, he declared.

Questioning the relevance of traditional leadership in communities, where public assets are left unprotected, the governor said it was unacceptable for newly renovated and well-equipped public schools and other facilities to be destroyed by hoodlums without local accountability.

He directed Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, alongside Uwemedimo Udo, State Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), to urgently convene a meeting with Village Heads across the State to formally communicate the Government’s position and reinforce their responsibilities.

The governor also called on citizens to take collective responsibility for safeguarding public property, stressing that Government infrastructure represents the common wealth of the people and must be protected at all costs.