Transition Committee Chairmen in the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State have till Tuesday, April 2, 2024 to flag off the free food voucher initiative of the State Government or face immediate sack by the state chief executive, Umo Eno.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno stated this at the launch of the free food voucher programme for the vulnerable and the neediest at the popular Itam Market, located in Itu Local Government Area of the State.

Speaking of his government’s bottom-up approach to development, the Governor called on local government council chairmen to ensure that they flag off the exercise in their respective areas in the next one week to avoid unpleasant consequences.

He declared that the free food voucher for the vulnerable is a key element of the Bulk Agency Bill that was signed into law a week ago, and the Board, equally inaugurated by the Governor, last week.

The key responsibility of the Agency, is to provide free staple food items: garri, rice and beans to the most vulnerable through the Social Register.

The humanitarian posture of Umo Eno, since he assumed office as Governor clearly defined him, as seen in his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, where clearly signaled the direction of his government.

He harped on the need to bring governance closer to the people and have them invested and take ownership in governance, asserting that “to those who may not be able to put food on your table, I will be your advocate and champion.”

“When leaders are faced with daunting social problems, they usually think outside the box and that’s what motivated me to set up the Bulk Purchase Agency and the free food voucher drive initiative.”

“We had reviewed all of the options, and this for us, remains the best. We are partnering with the market leaders and I want to thank them for the cooperation we have so far received from them.”

“Let me repeat here that this is purely an interventionist act; the solution to our food security remains the need for us to go back to the farm.”

The event had the Deputy Governor; Akon Eyakenyi, the Senators representing Akwa Ibom North-East and South; Aniekan Bassey and Ekong Sampson, respectively, Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, and other top government officials in attendance.