Beyond the “assumes duty” photoshoot, By Ofonime Honesty

I have to hurriedly pen this piece this morning before leaving home to cover an event.

Akwa Ibom State is buzzing as the newly sworn-in Commissioners and Special Advisers bask in the glory of their appointments.

Yes, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has sworn-in the sophomore batch of his Commissioners and Special Advisers.

The development is currently the most trending topic in my home state.
To hit the ground running, the appointees are saturating the social media space with copious pictures and video clips of their first day in office.

They are photogenic, I agree, but are they capable and prepared for the tasks ahead? Their output shall answer this.
They have to prove that they are more than just pretty and handsome faces in well-tailored suits and kaftans.

Governor Eno has assembled a team he has faith in. Fine, but faith without works always pans out as a disastrous illusion. It behooves on the appointees to make positive impacts and prove themselves worthy of the trust placed in them.

It’s time to trade the staged smiles for rolled-up sleeves and a can-do attitude.

As the cameras fade away and the reality of the task ahead sets in, they must remember that they are not just representatives of the state government, but also servants of the people.

Having been allotted portfolios, they have to identify peculiar challenges bedeviling the state.
Top on their priority list should be responsibility to deliver on the promises made by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
They must hit the ground running by tackling pressing issues.

Each Commissioner and Special Adviser has a unique role to play in shaping the future of Akwa Ibom. They must work tirelessly to address the concerns of the people, from improving infrastructure to security to education to boosting economic development to improved healthcare delivery to boosting tourism, etc.

Very importantly, as they settle into their new roles, the appointees must also be mindful of the challenges that come with public office.
Let’s not sugarcoat: public office is not a bed of roses. These appointees will face criticism, opposition, and tough decisions that will test their mettle, but it’s in these moments that their true character will shine through.

The people of Akwa Ibom State are watching, and they expect nothing but the best from them.

Let the real work begin!

(Ofonime Honesty hails from Ikot Udobia village in Etinan LGA).

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