Eno Threatens to Withdraw Recognition of Village Heads Over Vandalism

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has warned that village heads in communities where government property is vandalised risk losing their certificates of official recognition.

Mr Eno issued the warning on Saturday during the monthly prayer service at the Government House in Uyo, as part of measures to curb the destruction of public infrastructure across the state.

He said any village hosting government facilities where vandalism occurs would face sanctions, including the withdrawal of the village head’s certificate of recognition.

“Any village that has government presence and experiences vandalism of government property will result in the withdrawal of the village head’s certificate,” the governor said.

Traditional rulers in the state are formally recognised by the government and issued certificates affirming their status.

The governor stressed that village heads, as custodians of their communities, must ensure the protection of public assets such as schools and healthcare facilities.

“If a public school, well furnished with modern facilities by the government, could be conveniently vandalised in your locality, what is the usefulness of the village head there?” he asked.

To implement the directive, Mr Eno instructed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong and the state Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Uwemedimo Udo, to convene an urgent meeting with village heads to formally communicate the policy.

The warning follows increasing cases of vandalism and theft of government property in some communities, including newly constructed model public primary schools.

The state government said it has invested heavily in upgrading educational and primary healthcare infrastructure, delivering at least one major project in each local government area.