By Itoro Bassey
Pastor Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, is being judged differently after photos of him displaying an act of humility at a luncheon held Signature by Royalty Hotels went viral on social media on Wednesday.
Some of the photos show Pastor Eno serving water and assisting some physically challenged University of Uyo students to wash their hands before eating at an event he hosted to redeem an earlier pledge he made to pay fees for physically challenged students who are in good academic standing at the university.
Several commentators have taken to social media to comment on the photos from various political perspectives, as the Commissioner is said to be one of those eyeing the governorship of Akwa Ibom in 2023.
Many commentators concluded that Pastor Eno’s humble gesture to the physically challenged students was a deception, while others thought otherwise.
The raging commentary surrounding the photos, as well as the Honourable Commissioner’s kind gesture, provide an opportunity for this writer to make a broad observation about the pastor gentleman.
Also read: Pastor Umo Eno Gives Succour to Physically Challenged Students
In a nutshell, what Pastor Umo Eno did for the University of Uyo students was not a gimmick to demonstrate humility.
Those who know him will confirm that the Honourable Commissioner’s trademark has always been to serve people nicely while maintaining a pleasant and appealing personality.
It should also be noted that Pastor Eno, a consummate entrepreneur, is the Governor/CEO of Royalty Group, a conglomerate with interests in hospitality, manufacturing, and oil and gas.
Thus, someone who has had a lot of success in the hospitality industry is more likely to anticipate and interpret “customer needs” efficiently, just like Pastor Eno did when he served thee university students with humility.
Elsewhere in the country, some notable Nigerian politicians have demonstrated acts of humility in the past by simply engaging with the populace in some way.
Photos of popular politicians buying food in local canteens and eating it in front of other people abound on social media.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Ekiti Governor, Ayo Fayose; former Abia Governor, (now Senator) Orji Uzor Kalu; former Rivers Governor, now Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi; former Lagos Governor, Akinwumi Ambode; Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Works Minister, Babatunde Fashol
In fact, Ayo Fayose has been seen eating in public restaurants at various times.
Many times, the former Ekiti Governor purchased food for everyone in the restaurant where he dined.
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has also been seen eating in public.
Many of these politicians who have been seen eating in public places or humbly serving people, as Pastor Eno did for physically challenged students, have always won the hearts of their people.
