None of my PAs earns below N1m per month – Nigerian gov

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has clarified the remuneration of his political aides, emphasizing that none of his Personal Assistants (PAs) receives less than one million naira per month.

Addressing residents during a Town Square Meeting in Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, Ikono and Ini Federal Constituency, Governor Eno criticized public remarks by some aides that appeared to downplay their earnings.

The Governor singled out Blessed Essien, his PA on Protocol, for dedicating part of his salary to fund a borehole project in his community. In recognition of this initiative, Governor Eno announced Essien’s promotion to Special Assistant (SA) on Public Works.

Highlighting differences in commitment among his appointees, Governor Eno said, “I received a brochure about a PA who used part of his earnings to construct and reticulate a borehole in his village. That’s commendable. But others with similar opportunities are not engaging their communities meaningfully.”

He added, “Let it be clear: no Personal Assistant to the Governor earns less than one million naira monthly. It’s misleading to describe such as a ‘stipend.’ That’s substantial income, and I expect transparency and accountability from all political appointees.”

The Governor also instructed the Secretary to the State Government to prepare and publish a comprehensive list of all political appointees, sorted by local government areas, in a national newspaper.

Encouraging constituents to hold their representatives accountable, he said, “Ask your PAs, your SAs, SSAs, and Commissioners — what have they done for your communities?”

(VANGUARD)