Akwa Ibom Governor Gifts Youths N310 Million for Shunning Hardship Protest

• Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno rewards youths with N310 million for boycotting the #EndBadGovernance protest, fulfilling his promise
• Eno emphasizes concerns over potential violence during protests and announces plans to include 100 youths from each LGA in community watch

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has rewarded youths with N310 million for boycotting the #EndBadGovernance protest. During a meeting with the youths at Uyo Township Stadium on Tuesday, Governor Eno explained that the cash gift was in fulfillment of his promise to compensate them for heeding his appeal not to participate in the nationwide hardship protest held from August 1 to 10.

The Governor announced a N10 million reward for the youths in each of the state’s 31 local government areas (LGAs) for obeying his call against joining the protest. He stated, “The leadership of the youths in each LGAs will receive the money and distribute it across party lines. We cannot leave you the way we met you. We are inspired that you listened to our plea not to join the protest, not because we don’t believe in protests or do not feel what is going on in the country.”

Governor Eno expressed concerns that peaceful protests could be hijacked by individuals with malicious intentions, leading to the destruction of government infrastructure that has taken decades to build. “Our leaders have worked so hard over the past 37 years since the creation of our state to put these infrastructures in place. One minute of anger can destroy all of these hard works,” he emphasized.

He praised the youths for their restraint, saying, “We are not ashamed. You did well, and we are here to pat you. Though you didn’t protest, we heard you loud and clear. We know the issues you’re angry about, such as hunger, unemployment, and the high price of food. Within the resources available to our state, we are trying to address these issues for the benefit of our people.”

Governor Eno also announced that 100 youths from each LGA would be added to the Ibom Community Watch, regardless of their party affiliation. Additionally, he revealed that the Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with his Senior Special Assistant on ICT, would launch an employment portal for all youths in the state.

He further stated, “One thing you must know, when our big men meet at their clubs and share money, they don’t consider political parties. So, there will be no discrimination.”