Akwa Ibom Governor Faces Criticism for Fiscal Secrecy Violations

An investigation reveals that Akwa Ibom State, under Governor Eno, is accused of slipping into secrecy and violating fiscal laws despite promises of transparency made during the campaign. The administration allegedly failed to maintain fiscal transparency as mandated by the state's laws, including online portals for financial disclosures.

The previous administration, led by Udom Emmanuel, had embraced reforms to enhance fiscal transparency, leading to improved rankings in budget transparency indexes. However, Governor Eno's administration is criticized for diverting funds and limiting public scrutiny by delaying budget publication until legislative approval.

Civil society organizations have raised concerns about the reallocation of funds for completed projects and extravagant expenditures, such as purchasing numerous vehicles. The administration's actions have sparked debates about fiscal accountability and transparency in Akwa Ibom State.