Appointment of CoS: Oku Ibom Ibibio

Governor Udom Emmanuel‘s recent appointment of Mr. Ephraim Inyang-eyen as his chief of staff (CoS) has continued to elicit series of commendations, the latest coming from the traditional institution, a section of the political class, socio-cultural groups, business and private sectors.

The supreme traditional ruler in Ibibio land, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, in his congratulatory message on behalf of Ifim Ibom Ibibio, the apex traditional forum of the Ibibio, addressed Inyang-eyen as “a dutiful public servant and someone who is evidently committed to the success of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration” and commended “the governor for his wise decision” to appoint him as chief of staff (CoS).

The monarch called on the newly appointed chief of staff (CoS), who also doubles as commissioner for works, to bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new office.

Ntenyin Etuk admonished “public servants, stakeholders nay all indigenes to support this administration to enable it succeed in all ramifications and to attain the envisaged desirable height for a state like ours named after the Almighty God.”

On his part, Ntisong E. U. Ekidem in a congratulatory message on behalf of the socio-cultural group, Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, said the appointment is “an award of excellence and recognition for life of positive change” with reference to Inyang-eyen’s “impressive qualities which include hard work, honesty and discipline.”

“Our royal proclamation is that you will not fail/fall as the Lord liveth and our prayer and support for you will never end until you deliver your duties to the glory of God…,” the forum prayed.

In yet another congratulatory message from a socio-cultural group, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, said the appointment is a reward for Inyang-eyen’s years of selfless services to the state.

In a jointly signed statement by its international president and the secretary general, Akparawa Patrick Udofia and Akparawa Fiokidaha Umoh respectively, the group commended the governor for the wisdom in taking the decision and prayed for “God’s enduring grace, guidance and serenity of mind” for the appointee.

Also, Bishop Etim Ante, president-general, Oron Union, described the appointment as a “meritorious elevation.”
In his congratulatory message, Bishop Ante congratulated “His Excellency for his visionary and pragmatic leadership in creating the Office of the Chief of Staff (CoS) to aid in the timely delivery of his Completion Agenda.”
He also saluted the governor for picking credible hands “to help in sailing Ship Akwa Ibom to the destination of choice.”

Member representing ONNA State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, expressed “deep appreciation to our indefatigable and promise keeping governor” and assured him of total support and ceaseless payers to ensure a successful and rewarding tenure.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, led by Rt. Hon. Frank Archibong, noted that “this elevation did not come as a surprise as it is reward for the commitment, hard work and sincerity that you have exhibited since you were appointed commissioner for works.”

The duo of local government chairmen: Rt. Hon. Udeme Eduo, Etim Ekpo LGA; Barr. Etetim Onuk, Itu LGA and the acting chairman of Uyo Local Government, Ukai Udeme Emmanuel, sent in congratulatory messages on behalf of their local government councils and people.

Joining the hordes of well-wishers were two construction firms: Hensek Integrated Services and Bulletine Construction Company Limited.

Hensek, in a statement signed by its MD/CEO, Engr. Uwem Okoko, said the appointment is well deserved given Ephraim Inyang-eyen’s “commitment and selfless services to the state in the last five years.”

Bulletine, in a statement signed by its MD/CEO, Chief Faysal Herb, acknowledged that Inyang-eyen has demonstrated commitment and professionalism in carrying out assigned duties in the past five years as commissioner for works. The company wished him well in his new capacity.

Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service in a statement released by its executive chairman, Mr. Okon Okon, saluted the appointee’s “public service pedigree from the Nigeria Customs Service and Akwa Ibom State Government as commissioner for works”, and declared “trust that he will utilize his wealth of experience to meet the expectations of the governor and Akwa Ibom people in the new responsibility as the chief of staff to the governor.”

Members of Transformation Initiative for the Empowerment of Ibom People led by its international chairman, Otuekong Anietie A. J. U Ekong, also threw their weight behind the appointee.
They stressed that his “appointment as CoS is in line with the axiom that the prize for hard work is more work”, and also expressed confidence that his “cognate knowledge and vast experience garnered over the years would help you discharge your duties creditably to the satisfaction of your boss and the benefit of the state.”