Vandalism: Akwa Ibom governor threatens to withdraw village heads’ certificates

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers, threatening to withdraw the certificates of village heads who fail to protect government property in their domains from vandals.

The governor issued the warning on Saturday during the State Government House Monthly Prayer Service held at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo.

He stressed that any village head who allows hoodlums to destroy government assets within their jurisdiction is of little value to the community.

“Any village that we have government presence, and there is vandalism of government property in that village, we will withdraw the certificate of the village head,” he said.

“If a public school, well furnished with modern facilities by the government, could be conveniently vandalised by hoodlums in your locality, what is the usefulness of the village head there?” Eno asked.

To ensure compliance, the governor directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, and the State Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, to immediately convene a meeting with all village heads to brief them on the new directive.

Governor Eno called on all residents of the state to be security-conscious and to take collective responsibility in safeguarding public property and the common wealth of the people.

On plans to provide mini water projects in each ward of the state, the governor said they would be handled by the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Committee. He directed the committee to involve his personal assistants across all wards in the implementation process.

Delivering a sermon titled “Unsearchable God,” drawn from Romans 11:33, the Presiding Bishop of Beautiful Gate Family Church, Rev. Bolaji Adeisrael, noted that God’s ways are mysterious but ultimately favourable to His children. He encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in trusting and obeying God in order to experience His divine help and power.

The prayer service featured inspirational praise, worship, and prayers. It was attended by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady Lady Helen Obareki, Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, members of the State Executive Council, political stalwarts, captains of industry, clergy, and other government functionaries.