Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has extended an olive branch to The Southern Examiner (TSE), a U.S.-based nonprofit news outlet, expressing a desire for constructive engagement with the media to help his administration achieve its developmental agenda.
The overture came during a chance encounter with Mr. Akanimo Sampson at Comfort FM in Uyo, where Governor Eno was visiting radio presenter Mighty George, currently attempting a world record for the longest continuous talk show.
There, Eno briefly addressed a brewing political controversy surrounding his recent analogy of a “faulty aircraft”—widely interpreted as a critique of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Clarifying his remarks live on air, the governor explained that his metaphor referred to the practical need for alternatives when the state’s airline, Ibom Air, is temporarily grounded. “If you’re scheduled for an urgent engagement in Lagos or Abuja and Ibom Air is unavailable, it makes sense to choose another airline,” he said, noting that the comment was misconstrued.
Later introduced to The Southern Examiner CEO by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, and flanked by senior officials including Secretary to the State Government Enobong Uwah and Information Commissioner Aniekan Umanah, the governor reiterated his openness to dissent.
“I am not opposed to criticism,” Eno said. “I welcome critiques that offer solutions. Please join me in ensuring the ARISE Agenda delivers real dividends of democracy to our people.”
Nevertheless, the All Progressives Congress (APC) seized on the governor’s remarks, interpreting them as an implicit endorsement of their party over the PDP. APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka issued a statement likening the PDP to a grounded jet, claiming Governor Eno had issued a “distress call” and inviting him aboard what the party described as a more reliable aircraft—“Plane APC.”
“We couldn’t agree more that Plane PDP has become demonstrably inoperable and unsafe for travel,” Morka stated. “Our pilots and crew are ready and waiting to offer the governor a smooth flight to his political destination.”
While no formal indication has emerged that Governor Eno plans to defect, the APC’s overture adds to the tension surrounding the PDP, which is grappling with a spate of high-profile defections.
At a recent emergency meeting, the PDP’s National Working Committee issued a strong warning to errant members, with acting National Chairman Umar Damagun directing the party’s legal team to explore disciplinary action against defectors including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Meanwhile, on the infrastructure front, Minister of Works David Umahi has announced that the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is on course for completion by January 2026. Speaking during an inspection visit, Umahi revealed that international financiers—including Dutch Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa—have expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the work.
He praised the contractor, Hitech Construction, for exceeding design specifications. “The concrete was specified at 275mm thickness, but they’re delivering 280mm,” Umahi noted, commending the engineering team for exceeding expectations.
He also warned of potential safety hazards, particularly from residents attempting to access the expressway directly, and called for additional barriers and interchange-only access.
In Abuja, President Bola Tinubu used this year’s May Day celebration to urge patience from Nigeria’s workforce amid deepening economic challenges. Represented by Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, the president acknowledged the harsh realities confronting citizens—including inflation, job losses, and insecurity—and vowed to deliver reforms that promote job creation and social protection.
“Economic hardship today is a global phenomenon,” Tinubu said. “But I assure you, my administration is determined to create an environment conducive to shared prosperity.”
Responding on behalf of organized labour, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero pressed the federal government to extend the retirement age of all public servants to 65 years or 40 years of service—parity currently enjoyed only by judges, teachers, and health professionals.
