Akwa Ibom Governor Issues Stern Warning to Village Heads Over Vandalism of Public Property
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has delivered a forceful ultimatum to village heads across the state, declaring that their official certificates will be withdrawn if government property is vandalized within their communities. The governor issued this stark warning during the State Government House Monthly Prayer Service held at the Latter House Chapel in Uyo on February 20, 2026.
Traditional Leaders Must Take Responsibility for Public Assets
Governor Eno emphasized that traditional leaders bear direct responsibility for safeguarding public facilities and infrastructure in their domains. He questioned the relevance of village heads who fail to prevent hoodlums from damaging government property, particularly in communities where the state has established a significant presence.
"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," Governor Eno stated unequivocally. He further challenged traditional leaders by asking, "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?"
Immediate Action and Community Briefing Ordered
The governor has directed immediate action to ensure all village heads understand their responsibilities. He instructed 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 convene an urgent meeting with all village heads to brief them on the new policy and expectations.
This directive represents a significant escalation in the state's approach to protecting public assets, placing traditional leaders at the forefront of community security and property protection efforts.
Mini Water Projects Announced for All Wards
Alongside the warning about vandalism, Governor Eno announced ambitious plans to provide mini water projects in every ward across Akwa Ibom State. These infrastructure projects will be managed by the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Committee, with the governor's personal assistants in all wards directed to participate actively in the implementation process.
The water projects represent a major investment in community development and infrastructure improvement, designed to provide essential services while strengthening local governance structures.
Call for Collective Security Consciousness
Governor Eno urged all residents of Akwa Ibom State to remain vigilant and actively protect public property. He stressed that safeguarding the common wealth of the people represents a collective responsibility that extends beyond government officials to include every citizen.
"Protecting public assets is not just a government responsibility but a duty shared by every member of our communities," the governor emphasized during his address. He called for increased security consciousness and community cooperation to prevent vandalism and ensure public facilities serve their intended purposes.
Monthly Prayer Service Highlights
The warning was delivered during the State Government House Monthly Prayer Service, which carried the theme "Unsearchable God" based on Romans 11:33. Rev. Bolaji Adeisrael, Presiding Bishop of Beautiful Gate Family Church, delivered the sermon, encouraging Christians to trust and obey God to experience divine help and power.
The service featured:
- Praise and worship sessions
- Choir ministrations
- Prayers for the state and its leadership
Notable attendees included:
- 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 leaders and captains of industry
- Clergy and other government officials
Broader Context of Traditional Leadership Accountability
Governor Eno's warning comes amid increasing concerns about vandalism of public property across Nigerian states. The approach represents a significant shift toward holding traditional leaders directly accountable for security and property protection in their communities.
This policy aligns with broader efforts to strengthen local governance structures while ensuring that community leaders play active roles in maintaining public assets funded by taxpayer money. The certificate withdrawal threat establishes clear consequences for traditional leaders who fail to prevent vandalism in areas under their authority.
The announcement of mini water projects across all wards demonstrates the government's commitment to infrastructure development while creating additional community assets that will require protection from vandalism. This dual approach of providing essential services while demanding accountability represents a comprehensive strategy for community development and asset protection in Akwa Ibom State.
