Popular Government Critic Unwana Assam Retracts Criticism, Hails Governor Umo Eno’s Health Sector Reforms

Popular Government Critic Unwana Assam Retracts Criticism, Hails Governor Umo Eno’s Health Sector Reforms

Popular government critic, Comrade Assam Unwana, has retracted his earlier criticism of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme, acknowledging that Governor Umo Eno’s administration is making significant progress in the health sector.

Assam, one of the administration’s most vocal critics, made the admission following a series of testimonies from civil servants and other beneficiaries of the state’s health insurance scheme.

Comrade Unwana Assam

In a statement posted in the comment section of a Facebook post by Governor Umo Eno’s aide, Rev. Osondu Ahirika, Assam said his assessment had changed after hearing directly from beneficiaries and conducting what he described as a social experiment.

“Where the governor has done well, as evidenced by personal experience, confirmation and testimonies from direct beneficiaries, I won’t hesitate to commend him and say he has done well,” he said.

Assam acknowledged that although the reforms may not be perfect, the government was “on the right track” in the health sector.

He also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, describing his performance as “fantastic” and acknowledging his efforts in the ministry.

“The man is doing a great job in the ministry, though he still has a lot to do, especially on healthcare centres at the grassroots level, but I must give it to him,” Unwana stated.

The critic explained that his position was based on testimonies he had received from beneficiaries through his direct messages and comment section, stressing that his assessment was not driven by political considerations.

He maintained that those who criticise government policies should also be willing to acknowledge achievements when evidence shows that the government is doing well.

Reacting to the development, Ahirika commended Unwana for what he described as the courage to retract his earlier position, stressing that “everything is not politics.”

He urged critics of the administration to maintain fairness and avoid allowing political differences to prevent them from recognising positive developments.

Ahirika further called for constructive criticism, noting that opposition politics should not mean rejecting everything done by government, particularly when citizens are benefiting from such programmes.

He also cautioned against the spread of false narratives, stressing the importance of truth, fairness and good conscience in public discourse.

“Playing opposition politics doesn’t mean that you see nothing good in everything the government does. Not even when you’re a beneficiary,” he said.

He described Assam’s change of position as an example of constructive engagement, while urging stakeholders to continue holding government accountable without compromising truth and objectivity.

Source: Itoro Etti’s Facebook Page