Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has launched a verbal attack on his critics, dismissing criticisms about his accessibility to residents, questioning why members of the public expect him to personally answer their phone calls as if he is their receptionist.
Speaking during a public event in Akwa Ibom State, the governor reacted sharply to complaints that he does not respond to calls from citizens and political stakeholders.
“Stop saying the governor does not pick phones (answer calls). Am I your receptionist?” Governor Eno said.
“That is even an insult for you to say the governor doesn’t pick phones. Who are you that I should pick your phone? Who is even talking?” Eno added.
The comments, delivered before an audience at the event, have since generated outrage online with critics describing the tone as dismissive and irresponsible.
Continuing his remarks, Eno criticised what he described as the politicisation of routine governance issues, warning against turning every disagreement into a political confrontation.
“When people want to talk, ‘we are Akwa Ibom, we won’t forgive you (continues in indigenous language)’, this is the problem. Must everything be about politics?” he added.
The governor’s statements come amid ongoing public discussions about accessibility and accountability of elected officials, particularly at the local and state levels, where citizens often expect direct engagement with political leaders.
Critics argued that public officials should remain approachable and responsive to constituents’ concerns.
Reacting to the governor’s outburst, an X user, @getKennethed22, wrote, “These guys (Nigeria politicians) are the luckiest politicians in the world. Do they even know that they are public servants?”
Also reacting, @The_Abe_Machine, wrote, “Sometimes these guys forget they are public servants.”
Similarly, @DonAlfonso99 wrote, “Coming from someone who’s supposed to be serving the people lol. I’m not even saying you should pick calls, there are people who handle that.
“But what do you mean ‘who are you?’ Are you more human than others? Silly talks from people who see themselves as demi gods.”
Also, @tech_life112 wrote, “You addressed it, yet still carry yourself like you’re above the very people you were elected to serve. This issue has eaten deeper than most can even control.
“So when citizens call your line, it’s not because they think you’re their receptionist, it’s because you’re their governor. Accountability isn’t an inconvenience; it’s the job.”
Another X user, @obi_baby4life wrote, “Look at the person Akwa-Ibom people elected. Chai, these our politicians are one in a million.”
@Reincarnat48772 wrote, “This shouldn’t come out from the mouth of a leader. This clearly means he is not capable of leading.
“As a leader, the people will call you because you’re their leader, and leaders serve and not to be worshiped.”
And @Ilesanm50940083 wrote, “Does this man understand he is answerable to the people? Does he even know that he is a slave that needs to answer yes to his Masters (the people).
“Until these people are shown the true meaning of leadership through revolution, they won’t understand the leadership role.”
As reactions continue to pour in, neither the Akwa Ibom State Government nor the governor’s media team has issued further clarification regarding the remarks.
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