Sunny Edemenang- Uyo.
Governor Umo Eno’s Executive Order (EO) to put the Akwa Ibom State government-owned private jet into commercial use, was aimed at significantly reducing the cost of governance.
The governor gave the order after a lengthy State Executive Council (SEC) meeting penultimate Monday, and directed the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah to oversee the implementation of what he described as “cost cutting measure” in response to the current financial challenges.
The measure demonstrates the state’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient resource utilization in the face of economic challenges, in alignment with the recent measures introduced by the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu.
The decision to commercialize the Bombardier model jet, acquired during the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio, apart from recognizing the need for substantial reductions in governance expenses, was taken against the impact of volatile exchange rates, and the escalating maintenance costs associated with the private jet.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong, while addressing journalists at the end of SEC, explained that the decision became necessary in order to effectively utilise the jet in a more viable and lucrative ventures.
“This decision is predicated on the need for a drastic reduction in the cost of governance, the volatile exchange rate, and the corresponding increase in the cost of maintenance of the private jet. While the aircraft will remain the state’s asset, it will be put to more lucrative use”, Commissioner Ememobong concluded.
