Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has revealed the reasons behind the dismissal of Engr. Meyen Etukudoh, the former Managing Director of Ibom Power Company. Governor Eno stated that Etukudoh’s sacking was due to his breach of civil service regulations by issuing an unauthorized press release without proper consultation.
The controversy began last month when Etukudoh released a statement accusing Accugas, a gas supplier working for Sceptre Energy, of cutting off gas supplies to Ibom Power, which led to a power outage across the state. This statement, according to Eno, was issued without due authorization, further compounding the situation.
During the ongoing Ministerial Briefing at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Eno criticized the former MD’s conduct. He pointed out that despite Ibom Power owing Accugas a staggering N40 billion, Etukudoh chose to publicly accuse the supplier rather than negotiating a payment arrangement. “How can a debtor quarrel with his creditor?” Eno asked, emphasizing that in civil service, public servants are not permitted to issue press releases without official instruction.
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Eno also highlighted a significant administrative error made by Etukudoh when he went on annual leave and handed over the management of the plant to a contractor. The governor stressed that this was an unprecedented move in corporate governance, stating, “I have never seen anywhere in the corporate world where a Managing Director goes on vacation and hands over the facility to a contractor.”
Governor Eno made it clear that although there was external pressure to reinstate Etukudoh, he firmly rejected any notion of reversing the decision. “The pressure to bring him back was uncalled for, given the problems he caused,” Eno remarked.
The governor also revealed that since taking office, he had not received any briefing from Ibom Power and pledged to take action by setting up a committee to address the power sector’s challenges. He promised to declare a state of emergency in the sector, citing his belief that Akwa Ibom has the potential to generate power 24/7. “All we need is putting the right people in the right places,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Governor Eno announced plans for a power summit to be held in the state between January and March next year, further emphasizing his commitment to resolving the state’s power issues.
