ENOBONG UWAH: THE SSG WHO CHOSE SERVICE OVER SELF-IMPORTANCE

ENOBONG UWAH: THE SSG WHO CHOSE SERVICE OVER SELF-IMPORTANCE

By Edidiong Stephen
Sept. 10, 2026. Uyo.

There are moments when journalism must rise above the seduction of sensational headlines and return to its most sacred obligation: the pursuit and presentation of truth.

L-R: Governor Umo Eno and Prince Enobong Uwah

The recent publication in The Guide newspaper, with the headline “Who is Akwa Ibom State Governor? As Enobong Uwah Declares Self De Facto Governor of A’Ibom,” is one such instance that demands sober reflection. The allegation that the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, has arrogated the powers of the Governor to himself is unfounded and difficult to reconcile with the realities of governance in the state.

Secretary to State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah

Prince Enobong Uwah is not the Governor of Akwa Ibom state. He has never claimed to be. The Governor remains His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, whose mandate is constitutionally established and whose authority over the affairs of the state is neither ambiguous nor transferable by administrative convenience.

The SSG occupies a clearly defined and strategically important position within the machinery of government. His responsibility is to coordinate government business, facilitate inter-ministerial and inter-agency cooperation, assist the Governor in translating policy into action and ensure that the administrative architecture of government functions efficiently. To mistake the effectiveness of an SSG for an attempt to usurp the Governor’s authority is to confuse administrative competence with political ambition.

Since assuming office, Uwah has emerged as one of the key coordinating figures in the administration of Governor Umo Eno. His role in facilitating government business, supporting policy implementation and providing an institutional bridge between the Governor and the wider machinery of government cannot reasonably be reduced to the caricature of a man supposedly attempting to become Governor.

His contribution extends beyond administration.

One of the defining features of his stewardship has been his role in facilitating government appointments and employment for young people across Akwa Ibom, irrespective of tribe or community. His efforts have opened the doors of government to a remarkable number of young people, placing him among the political actors associated with one of the highest numbers of youth appointments in the state’s history. This reflects an approach to governance that creates opportunities for others rather than monopolising power.

Equally significant is his contribution to the atmosphere of peace and stability currently enjoyed in Akwa Ibom. Uwah has demonstrated an ability to carry people along and accommodate divergent interests whenever he is called upon to head committees or undertake sensitive assignments. By listening to competing perspectives, creating room for participation and seeking common ground, he has helped prevent differences from becoming unnecessary conflicts. In a state where peace remains a vital foundation for development, this aspect of his service deserves commendation.

There is a fundamental distinction between being influential because one’s office carries responsibility and being power-drunk because one seeks authority that does not belong to one. Nothing in the public conduct of the SSG establishes the latter. His tenure has instead been characterised by administrative coordination, stakeholder engagement and support for the Governor’s policy direction – the very responsibilities expected of an effective SSG.

A newspaper may investigate, question and criticise public officials. Indeed, a vibrant press is indispensable to democracy. But criticism derives its legitimacy from accuracy. When an allegation as weighty as an attempt to usurp the constitutional authority of a Governor is made, the burden of factual substantiation becomes even greater.

Headlines should illuminate issues, not manufacture crises.

A responsible newspaper should be careful not to transform administrative visibility into political conspiracy or ordinary government coordination into evidence of a power grab. Such narratives can unnecessarily sow distrust, create needless tension and diminish public confidence in institutions.

Prince Enobong Uwah should therefore be judged by his record, his conduct and the responsibilities attached to his office – not by an inflammatory headline.

Governor Umo Eno does not need an SSG who is invisible. He needs one who is effective: a coordinating officer capable of carrying the weight of government business, resolving administrative bottlenecks, communicating policy and helping the machinery of government move in the direction of the administration’s mandate.

Akwa Ibom deserves a press that is fearless, but also fair; critical, but also factual; independent, but never careless with truth.

Prince Enobong Uwah has a job to do. Governor Umo Eno has a mandate to fulfil. The people of Akwa Ibom have a state to build.

The SSG should therefore be allowed to continue doing what his office demands of him – serving the administration, supporting his principal, preserving institutional harmony and creating opportunities for citizens to participate in governance.

That is not a declaration of a “de facto Governor”. It is called service.