Ini Archibong, Strategy Director of Chastest Consult and a leading voice in media management, public affairs, and strategic communications, has called on all Akwa-Ibom stakeholders — supporters and critics alike — to engage the administration of Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno in a spirit of constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and shared purpose.
Speaking to journalists following a consultative meeting in Abuja, Archibong was measured and deliberate in his message: that while Governor Eno deserves recognition for his administration’s achievements, the state is best served not by uncritical applause, but by an informed, principled, and engaged citizenry.
“Akwa Ibom belongs to all of us — it is not the exclusive property of any one individual, party, or administration,” Archibong said. “Every stakeholder — whether within the APC, the opposition, civil society, or the diaspora — has a right and a responsibility to speak up. What we must insist upon is that those conversations are grounded in facts, driven by genuine concern for our people, and delivered with the civility our state deserves.”
Archibong was equally firm in his caution to those he described as voices of distraction — individuals and groups he believes are poking holes in the administration not out of genuine concern, but for political point-scoring.
“There is a difference between a constructive opposition and a destructive one,” he said. “No governor knows it all. Governor Eno himself would benefit from a robust, honest, and engaged opposition — one that challenges him with ideas, holds him accountable with evidence, and offers alternatives where they see gaps. That kind of opposition strengthens governance. What does not strengthen governance is noise for the sake of noise.”
Archibong expressed genuine admiration for what he has observed of the Governor’s development trajectory. “I have travelled extensively across the world, and I say with confidence that the scale and quality of what is happening in Akwa-Ibom today is comparable to what you find in developed economies,” he said. “Governor Eno has brought peace, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose to the state. He has fixed infrastructure gaps, championed hospitality, and is positioning Akwa Ibom as a destination hub in the South-South.”
He cited many ongoing projects under the administration, including investments in educational infrastructure, the Ibom Model Farms initiative, the construction of a new jetty in Oron, shoreline protection works, warehouses and cold rooms designed to support local fishing communities and boost trade, the upgrade of the Akwa-Ibom International Airport ahead of the commencement of international flights in April 2026, as well as broad road construction programmes, the ARISE Palm Resort which is expected to generate over twenty billion naira revenue per annum when fully operational, the Senior Citizens Centre which recently was commissioned by the first lady; Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the development of new cities across the state.
“These are not just projects. They are foundations,” Archibong said. “My support for this administration is rooted in a desire to see these foundations translate into a state that can compete globally — one that attracts foreign direct investment and brings our diaspora back home to build.”
Mr Archibong was candid that his support is not unconditional. As someone with deep professional experience advising governments and institutions across Africa, the United Kingdom, and North America, he made clear that where constructive feedback is warranted, he will not withhold it.
“I am not here to be a cheerleader. I am here as a stakeholder who wants results,” he said. “Where the Governor gets it right, I will say so loudly. And where there is room for improvement, I will say that too — through the right channels, with the right intent, and in service of our collective progress.”
Archibong also took the opportunity to commend the appointment of Mr. Raymond Abia as Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Governmental Affairs, describing it as a well-considered decision. “Raymond Abia has served creditably in both the public and private sectors. His experience in the oil and gas industry, his international networks, and his disposition — which naturally draws people to him — make him exceptionally suited for this role. He will have my full support.”
The statement follows the recent meeting of the Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative’s FCT chapter, which swore in advisory and sub-committee members with a mandate to mobilise for the APC National Congress and work toward the return of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.
