By Obinna Uballa
A trending video of Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State arguing that it is an insult for anyone in the state to try to reach him on the phone has sparked a heated debate online, with users describing it as an example of the arrogance of power.
Eno’s remarks, some observers note, contrast sharply with what obtains in advanced democracies like the United States, where governors may not personally answer every call but operate through structured systems that ensure citizens’ voices are captured and factored into governance.
In the US, according to the National Governors Association, a staff member typically answers a governor’s office phone, logs the caller’s name, zip code, and issue, and records voicemail messages. Organized call-in campaigns are tracked to gauge public support or opposition to policies, while emails and social media messages are monitored and reported to the governor. This system ensures that, although the governor may not pick up personally, constituents’ concerns are acknowledged, categorized, and can influence decision-making.
In contrast, Eno reacted sharply to complaints about his accessibility during a public event, questioning why citizens expect him to personally answer their phone calls.
“Stop saying the governor does not pick phones. Am I your receptionist?” he said. “That is even an insult for you to say the governor doesn’t pick phones. Who are you that I should pick your phone? Who is even talking?”
The remarks, captured on video, quickly circulated online, drawing widespread criticism. Social media users described Eno’s comments as dismissive and unbecoming of an elected official.
“When people want to talk, ‘we are Akwa Ibom, we won’t forgive you’ (continues in indigenous language), this is the problem. Must everything be about politics?” the governor added, urging residents not to politicize routine governance matters.
Critics argued that the controversy is less about governors personally answering calls and more about whether citizens feel heard.
On Facebook, John Akam wrote, “When you listen to a typical Nigerian leader speak, you notice just how far we are from actual democracy. Come to the US, governors have systems through which they respond to constituents, but in Nigeria, Umo Eno says it’s an insult to call him. Sad.
Another user, Pius Peter wrote, “I thought they said this man is a Pastor?” Celia Chioma added, “During campaign they picked phone.” Anthony Ada Abraham said, “Imagine a public servant paid by taxpayers spitting in their faces.”
On X, users also reacted sharply. @getKennethed22 wrote, “These guys are the luckiest politicians in the world. Do they even know that they are public servants?” while @The_Abe_Machine commented, “Sometimes these guys forget they are public servants.”
