BREAKING: Critics Should Tell Me What They’ve Done That Succeeded, Anything They Laid Their Hands On Died – Umo Eno

According to a report by Premium Times on Sunday, May 31, 2026, Governor Umo Eno has signalled the early tone of his re-election campaign by raising concerns over the suitability of some opposition figures aspiring to contest the 2027 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State, questioning their personal records and public image.

The governor made the remarks on Saturday during a media interaction held in Uyo to commemorate his third year in office.

He used the occasion to reflect on governance while drawing comparisons between public expectations and the preparedness of individuals seeking leadership positions in the state’s top political office.

He noted that some individuals expressing interest in the governorship race currently live in rented accommodations yet aspire to control the affairs and resources of an oil-producing state.

He did not, however, mention any specific names or directly identify any of the political actors he was referring to during the session.

His comments come at a time when political engagements are gradually increasing across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Various political figures and interest groups have already begun aligning and positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle, including in Akwa Ibom State where discussions around succession politics are becoming more prominent.

Mr Eno also maintained that many critics of government often fail to fully grasp the complexities of leadership and public administration until they find themselves in positions of authority.

He stressed that governance requires practical experience and exposure that cannot be easily understood from the outside.

The governor further rejected what he described as the attempt by what he called “recycled politicians” to reintroduce themselves as viable alternatives in the political space.

He implied that such individuals have had prior opportunities in public life without delivering meaningful results, though he did not provide additional details or examples.

He said, “They should tell me what they’ve done in life that succeeded. Anything they laid their hands on died,” he said without offering details of what he meant.

“And you want me to hand over the state treasury to you. Akwa Ibom, we’ve gone past that level. They should stop deceiving people.”