A strategic communications expert, Ini Archibong, has called on stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State to adopt constructive dialogue and responsible engagement in their assessment of the administration of Governor Umo Bassey Eno.
Archibong, who is the Strategy Director of Chastest Consult, made the call while speaking with journalists in Abuja after a consultative meeting, urging supporters, critics, and members of the opposition to engage the state government with facts, civility, and a shared commitment to development.
According to him, while the governor deserves recognition for ongoing development efforts, governance in the state would benefit more from informed criticism than from uncritical praise.
“Akwa Ibom belongs to all of us, it is not the exclusive property of any one individual, party, or administration,” Archibong said. “Every stakeholder, whether within the APC, the opposition, civil society, or the diaspora, has a right and a responsibility to speak up. What we must insist upon is that those conversations are grounded in facts, driven by genuine concern for our people, and delivered with the civility our state deserves.”
He also cautioned against what he described as politically motivated attacks on the government, noting that there is a clear difference between constructive and destructive opposition.
“There is a difference between a constructive opposition and a destructive one,” he said. “No governor knows it all. Governor Eno himself would benefit from a robust and engaged opposition that challenges him with ideas, holds him accountable with evidence, and offers alternatives where necessary.”
Archibong commended the administration’s development efforts, citing investments in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and transportation across the state.
Among projects he referenced were the Ibom Model Farms initiative, shoreline protection works, construction of a new jetty in Oron, warehouses and cold rooms to support fishing communities, and upgrades at the Akwa Ibom International Airport ahead of the commencement of international flights in April 2026.
He also highlighted ongoing road construction programmes, the development of the ARISE Palm Resort, and the recently commissioned Senior Citizens Centre, inaugurated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
“These are not just projects; they are foundations,” Archibong said. “My support for this administration is rooted in the desire to see these foundations translate into a state capable of competing globally and attracting foreign direct investment.”
Despite expressing support for the administration’s direction, Archibong stressed that his backing remains guided by objective assessment.
“I am not here to be a cheerleader. I am here as a stakeholder who wants results,” he said. “Where the governor gets it right, I will say so loudly. Where there is room for improvement, I will also say so through the right channels and with the right intent.”
Archibong also commended the appointment of Raymond Abia as Senior Special Adviser to the governor on Inter-Governmental Affairs, describing the decision as well considered.
According to him, Abia’s experience in both the public and private sectors, particularly in the oil and gas industry, as well as his international networks, make him well suited for the role.
The remarks followed a recent meeting of the Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative’s Federal Capital Territory chapter, which swore in advisory and sub-committee members with a mandate to mobilise for the All Progressives Congress National Congress and support the return of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Eno.
