Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has warned that traditional village heads will be held responsible for acts of vandalism affecting government facilities in their domains.
Speaking at the Government House in Uyo during a media interaction at the weekend, the governor said his administration would no longer condone the destruction of public infrastructure, particularly projects executed with taxpayers’ funds.
Eno stated that communities that fail to protect government property risk sanctions, including the possible withdrawal of official recognition from their village heads.
According to him, any village where public facilities are damaged despite the presence of government projects would face consequences, stressing that certificates of recognition could be revoked where negligence is established.
The governor expressed concern over recurring attacks on public infrastructure, especially recently renovated schools furnished with modern equipment.
He described the development as a serious setback to the state’s progress and a threat to investments in the education sector.
To stem the tide, Eno directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong, in collaboration with the state chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, to urgently summon a meeting of village heads across the state to relay the government’s position.
He further urged residents to take ownership of public facilities within their communities, emphasising that such infrastructure is meant to serve collective interests and must be safeguarded.
On the proposed provision of mini water schemes in each ward, the governor disclosed that the initiative would be executed through the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Committee.
He added that his personal assistants in the wards would participate actively in monitoring and implementation to ensure the projects are delivered efficiently.
