“From Fear to Resolve: Governor Eno’s Calm in the Oil Wells Storm”

At the Ibom Hall Ground on February 20, 2026, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno spoke firmly to Akwa Ibom people. The event was the second Anniversary of GIFA, Golden Initiative For All. His words rang memories of Winston Churchill’s “Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat” speech during World War . Faced with the potential invasion of Britain by the forces of Nazi Germany, the PM spoke assurances and hope to his country. When asked about the aim of the war, Churchill replied; “victory, victory at all costs…victory however long and hard the road may be”.

Once again, we have found ourselves caught up in a resource and economic battle that threaten our sovereign wealth as a people. In crisis situations, citizens look up to their leaders for stability and hope — and ultimately, a solution. Calm response. Clear and confident communication. Decisive action. Governor Eno has offered the first two. For the last one, the process is ongoing but citizens can expect a great outcome, he has assured.

In remarks as brief as George Washington’s second inaugural address, but reassuring as Roosevelt’s words to Americans during the Great Depression, Governor Eno declared, “let me say this loud and clear, there is no cause for alarm concerning our God-given resources”.

“We have two Supreme Court judgments and there is no reason whatsoever, nothing has changed that will enable us begin to look at Supreme Court issues again. No committee can overturn a Supreme Court judgment. No agency of government can overturn a Supreme Court judgment.”

In a time of severe disruption, crisis management tests leadership. The duty of a leader is to mobilize citizens’ collective unity to confront the challenge. This is what he is doing. It is now the people’s responsibility to rally behind him as the push for victory intensifies. Differences must be set aside for state interest.

When a leader speaks directly to those he is leading, confidence is restored and hope heightens. This is currently the reality from my personal interactions and gleans from social media commentaries since Governor Eno’s remarks. On the seeming silence that was adopted by the state all along, he offered a clarification that showed it was strategic.

“We may not be big on propaganda. We may not be big on addressing press conferences. We may not be big on gathering the people to tell them lies but we know one thing that we are firm on the ground and we are in this government together. We are in the ruling party. We will go where they go. We will meet who they meet. We will talk where they talk. We will sit where they sit and we will defend what belongs to us.” Here, his language was resolute. A hallmark of strong leadership.

In addressing the oil wells issue head-on now, the seeds of propaganda have been stunted and pricked with thorns. The noise that scared will no longer frighten. The illusion of truth becomes resistible when facts walk to the stage.

The Governor has decided to not allow the big lie thrive further. Joseph Goebbels, Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda in Nazi Germany and chief architect of the regime’s ideology had reasoned that “if you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it”.

History is always kind to leaders who maintain public morale and provide a sense of direction in crisis situation. When the dust settles, the Akwa Ibom Governor will get a generous mention for inspiring collective resilience.