By Egufe Yafugborhi & Chioma Onuegbu

UYO – Five commissioners who were dismissed in January following the dissolution of Governor Umo Eno’s foundation cabinet have been reappointed as project monitors, now designated as Delivery Advisors.

The governor announced their reengagement alongside another appointee in a March 3 statement issued by Prince Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government. He explained that their primary role is to ensure all projects under their portfolios are delivered to specifications within approved timelines.

The move has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders, with some criticizing it as a duplication of roles and others viewing it as a strategic political move by the governor to consolidate his influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

Those appointed include: Prof. Augustine Umoh – Former Health Commissioner, now Delivery Advisor for the State Specialist Hospital and General Hospital in Ikono.

Charles Udoh – Former Culture and Tourism Commissioner, now overseeing Tourism and Ibom Icon Hotel.

Idongesit Etiebiet – Former Education Commissioner, now supervising the construction of model primary schools.

Orman Esin – Former Transport Commissioner, now overseeing transport projects.

Ini Adiakpan – Former Women Affairs Commissioner, now monitoring the Nigeria for Women Project.

Public affairs commentator Ita Benedict argued that Delivery Advisors should be top professionals with a track record of excellence in project execution, rather than recycled politicians.

Similarly, journalist Assam Abia criticized the appointments, stating: “This feels like appointing assistant commissioners. It suggests that the newly appointed commissioners are not competent enough to function without extra supervision.”

He further accused Governor Eno of tactically strategizing for a second term, rather than focusing on legacy projects that would define his administration.

In response to the criticism, the State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, defended the move, stating that the Delivery Advisors are seasoned professionals with deep institutional knowledge of their assigned projects.

“They will provide oversight on specific projects, ensuring that Governor Eno’s initiatives are successfully implemented. Their role complements the work of the commissioners and does not create any conflict of interest,” he explained.

Umanah emphasized that the appointments reflect the governor’s commitment to project execution, leveraging expertise to achieve tangible results for the state and its citizens.