Backlash As Akwa Ibom Governor Gifts Luxury SUVs To All Ex-Deputy Governors Amid N6Billion Vehicle Budget

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has presented luxurious SUVs to all former deputy governors of the state.

According to the governor in a post on his official X handle, the SUVs are meant to appreciate "all former deputy governors" for their contribution to the state.

"I presented brand new Land Cruisers to all former Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom State as a token of appreciation for their years of service and sacrifice," he wrote.

"Their dedication has helped shape our State’s progress, and it’s only fitting they enjoy comfort as they continue to share their wisdom with us.”

While it is unclear how much was spent on these vehicles, checks by SaharaReporters reveal that the Office of the Secretary budgeted a sum of N3 billion for the state government to purchase 30 SUVs.

Between January and September 2024, a sum of N1.6 billion was spent by the state government on the purchase of 30 SUVs through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Aside from this, the state budgeted another N3 billion, also through the Office of the Secretary, for the purchase of 70 saloon cars. Also, N3.6 billion was spent on this purpose between January and September 2024.

In 2025, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government budgeted N6 billion for the purchase of various luxurious vehicles.

The presentation of Land Cruisers to all former deputy governors comes amid calls for prudence in the management of government resources.

Tweeps on X (formerly Twitter) also condemned the move of the Akwa Ibom governor, Eno.

"You present brand new land cruisers to former deputy governors. First off, former deputy governors had cars when they were serving. They had project allocation which I'm sure gave them extra money,” @realsirpee wrote.

“If I'm not wrong, they're collecting pensions, but you thought it wise to give them new cars. What have you done about unemployment in the state? How about the syringe industry that Udom started? Have you ever thought of bringing or starting any company? All your work starts and ends with the political class. This governance was a mistake."

"This is wastefulness at its peak, money that could have been used for other developmental projects, this is why we don't see development as a country when governors do rubbish," maybatch300 wrote.

"Former deputy governors who served 4-8yrs are got Brand New Land Cruisers for their year of elected services, while retired civil servants who served for 36 years can't get their pension money and are being owed salaries. Absolutely nonsense," @Ovokiss wrote.