On September 26, 2025, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, found himself at the center of a firestorm of public outrage following reports that his administration had gifted luxury Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to all former deputy governors of the state. The gesture, intended as a mark of appreciation for their past service, has instead ignited widespread condemnation due to its timing and the state’s dire financial obligations, particularly a staggering N6 billion debt owed to pensioners. The decision has sparked debates about governance priorities, fiscal responsibility, and the disconnect between Nigeria’s political elite and the citizens they serve.
The Controversial Gesture
According to sources close to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Governor Eno approved the distribution of high-end SUVs to all living former deputy governors as a token of gratitude for their contributions to the state’s development. While the exact cost of the vehicles remains undisclosed, estimates suggest that each SUV, likely a model from luxury brands such as Toyota, Lexus, or Mercedes-Benz, could range between N50 million and N100 million, depending on specifications. With at least six known surviving former deputy governors, the total expenditure could easily exceed N300 million—an amount critics argue could have been channeled toward more pressing needs.
The beneficiaries reportedly include prominent figures such as Chris Ekpenyong, who served under Governor Victor Attah; Nsima Ekere, who served under Godswill Akpabio; and Moses Ekpo, who served under Udom Emmanuel, among others. The gesture was framed by the state government as a way to honor the legacy of these leaders and acknowledge their sacrifices in steering Akwa Ibom through various phases of its political and economic history.
However, the decision has been met with fierce backlash from civil society groups, pensioners, and ordinary citizens, who view it as a blatant display of insensitivity given the state’s financial challenges. Akwa Ibom, despite being one of Nigeria’s oil-rich states, has struggled to meet its obligations to pensioners, civil servants, and other vulnerable groups. The N6 billion pension arrears, accumulated over years of unpaid entitlements, have left many retirees in dire straits, with some unable to afford basic necessities like food and healthcare.
The Pension Crisis in Akwa Ibom
The plight of pensioners in Akwa Ibom has been a recurring issue in the state’s political discourse. Many retirees, who dedicated decades to public service, have repeatedly protested the government’s failure to pay their pensions and gratuities. The N6 billion debt represents a significant portion of the state’s financial liabilities, with some pensioners claiming they have not received payments for over five years. Reports indicate that the state’s pension system has been plagued by inefficiencies, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and allegations of mismanagement, exacerbating the suffering of retirees.
For many pensioners, the news of luxury SUVs being gifted to former deputy governors was a bitter pill to swallow. “This is a slap in the face,” said Chief Emmanuel Udo, a retired civil servant and spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom Pensioners’ Forum. “We are struggling to survive, some of us can’t even buy medication, and the governor is giving out cars worth millions to people who are already wealthy. Is this what governance has become?”
The pension crisis is not unique to Akwa Ibom but reflects a broader challenge across Nigeria, where state governments often prioritize political patronage over the welfare of ordinary citizens. According to a 2024 report by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), over 70% of Nigeria’s 36 states owe pension arrears, with some states defaulting for over a decade. In Akwa Ibom, the situation is particularly jarring given the state’s substantial revenue from oil derivation funds, which places it among Nigeria’s wealthiest states.
Public Reaction and Social Media Outrage
The announcement of the SUV gifts triggered an immediate backlash on social media platforms, particularly on X, where Akwa Ibom residents and Nigerians at large expressed their frustration. Posts on X highlighted the stark contrast between the governor’s largesse and the dire conditions faced by pensioners and other vulnerable groups. One user, @AkwaIbomVoice, wrote: “N6 billion owed to pensioners, yet Governor Umo Eno is gifting SUVs to ex-deputy governors? This is why Nigeria is in a mess. Leaders have no shame.” Another user, @Justice4AllNG, commented: “Akwa Ibom gets billions in oil revenue, but pensioners are starving while politicians get luxury cars. Where is the humanity?”
Civil society organizations also joined the fray, accusing the governor of prioritizing political loyalty over public welfare. The Akwa Ibom chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) issued a statement condemning the decision, describing it as “a reckless misuse of public funds” and calling for greater transparency in the state’s financial management. The group urged Governor Eno to redirect resources toward clearing the pension backlog and improving infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where basic amenities like electricity and potable water remain scarce.
Governor Eno’s Defense
In response to the criticism, the Akwa Ibom State Government issued a statement defending the governor’s actions. The statement, signed by the Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, argued that the SUV gifts were part of a long-standing tradition of honoring former leaders and should not be viewed in isolation. “Governor Umo Eno is committed to the welfare of all citizens, including pensioners,” the statement read. “The decision to provide vehicles to former deputy governors is a gesture of appreciation for their service and does not detract from ongoing efforts to address pension arrears and other challenges.”
The government also claimed that it had made significant strides in tackling the pension debt, with over N2 billion disbursed to retirees in the past year. However, these claims have been met with skepticism, as many pensioners insist that payments have been inconsistent and insufficient to clear the backlog. Critics have also pointed out that the government’s defense fails to address the moral question of prioritizing luxury gifts over the basic needs of struggling retirees.
A Broader Context: Governance and Patronage in Nigeria
The controversy in Akwa Ibom is emblematic of a deeper malaise in Nigeria’s political system, where patronage and political loyalty often take precedence over public welfare. Across the country, state governors are known for distributing vehicles, cash, and other perks to political allies, traditional rulers, and religious leaders as a means of consolidating power. These gestures, while framed as acts of goodwill, frequently draw criticism for their extravagance, especially in the face of widespread poverty and underfunded public services.
Akwa Ibom, with its vast oil wealth, has long been a focal point for such debates. The state receives one of the highest allocations from the Federation Account due to its status as a major oil-producing state. In 2024 alone, Akwa Ibom received over N300 billion in federal allocations, in addition to internally generated revenue. Yet, despite this financial advantage, the state continues to grapple with challenges such as unemployment, inadequate healthcare, and poor infrastructure in rural areas.
The decision to gift SUVs to former deputy governors is particularly striking given the economic context. Nigeria is facing one of its worst economic crises in decades, with inflation soaring to over 33% in 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira have driven up the cost of living, placing immense pressure on ordinary Nigerians. In Akwa Ibom, the rising cost of transportation and food has hit pensioners and low-income earners the hardest, making the governor’s decision appear even more tone-deaf.
Historical Precedents and Political Culture
This is not the first time a Nigerian governor has faced criticism for lavish spending on political allies. In 2019, former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel was criticized for purchasing luxury vehicles for traditional rulers, a move that was similarly seen as an attempt to curry favor with influential figures. Across Nigeria, governors have been known to distribute cars, houses, and cash to political loyalists, often at the expense of critical sectors like education and healthcare.
The practice is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s political culture, where loyalty is rewarded through material incentives. Former deputy governors, many of whom wield significant influence in their communities, are often seen as key allies in maintaining political stability. By gifting them SUVs, Governor Eno may have been attempting to secure their support ahead of future elections or to strengthen his administration’s ties with the state’s political elite.
However, this strategy has backfired, as the public’s frustration with such practices continues to grow. The rise of social media has amplified these sentiments, giving ordinary Nigerians a platform to voice their grievances and hold leaders accountable. In Akwa Ibom, the backlash against the SUV gifts has sparked calls for greater transparency in government spending and a reevaluation of the state’s priorities.
The Economic and Social Implications
The controversy surrounding the SUV gifts has broader implications for Akwa Ibom’s economy and social cohesion. The state’s pension crisis is just one aspect of a larger problem of fiscal mismanagement. Despite its oil wealth, Akwa Ibom has struggled to diversify its economy, with many residents still dependent on government jobs and contracts. The failure to invest in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and technology has limited the state’s ability to create sustainable employment opportunities for its growing population.
Moreover, the pension arrears have eroded trust in the government, particularly among retirees who feel abandoned after years of service. The decision to prioritize luxury vehicles over their welfare has deepened this sense of betrayal, potentially fueling social unrest. In recent years, Nigeria has seen a rise in protests over economic hardship, and Akwa Ibom could face similar challenges if the government fails to address these grievances.
Calls for Reform and Accountability
In light of the controversy, civil society groups and activists have called for comprehensive reforms to address the pension crisis and ensure greater accountability in government spending. Proposals include the establishment of an independent pension board to oversee payments, stricter oversight of state budgets, and policies to prioritize the welfare of vulnerable groups.
The Akwa Ibom Pensioners’ Forum has also demanded an apology from Governor Eno and a clear timeline for clearing the N6 billion debt. “We are not asking for charity,” said Chief Udo. “These are our entitlements, earned through years of hard work. The government must do the right thing.”
On a national level, the Akwa Ibom controversy has reignited calls for a review of Nigeria’s pension system. Experts argue that the current system, which relies heavily on state governments, is unsustainable and prone to abuse. A centralized pension fund, backed by federal oversight, could help ensure timely payments and reduce the burden on state governments.
The Road Ahead for Governor Eno
For Governor Umo Eno, the SUV controversy represents a significant challenge to his administration’s credibility. Elected in 2023 on a platform of continuity and development, Eno has sought to position himself as a leader committed to the welfare of Akwa Ibom’s people. His “ARISE Agenda,” which focuses on agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, and education, was initially well-received, but the recent backlash threatens to undermine his achievements.
To regain public trust, analysts suggest that Eno must take decisive action to address the pension crisis and demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility. This could include redirecting funds from non-essential projects to clear the pension arrears, engaging in transparent dialogue with retirees, and implementing measures to prevent similar controversies in the future.
Additionally, the governor may need to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining political alliances and addressing public demands. While honoring former deputy governors may have been intended as a gesture of goodwill, it has highlighted the disconnect between Nigeria’s political elite and the struggles of ordinary citizens.
Conclusion
The decision by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno to gift luxury SUVs to former deputy governors has sparked a fierce debate about governance, priorities, and accountability in Nigeria’s oil-rich state. Against the backdrop of a N6 billion pension debt and widespread economic hardship, the move has been widely criticized as insensitive and extravagant. As public outrage grows, the controversy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s political system, where patronage often overshadows the needs of the masses.
For Akwa Ibom’s pensioners, the fight for their entitlements continues, with many hoping that the current uproar will pressure the government to act. Meanwhile, Governor Eno faces a critical test of leadership as he seeks to address the fallout and restore confidence in his administration. The outcome of this controversy could have far-reaching implications for Akwa Ibom’s political and economic landscape, as well as Nigeria’s broader struggle for good governance and equitable resource distribution.
