Positive reactions have followed Governor Umo Eno’s clearing of salary backlogs totaling N453.5 million owed to civil servants in 9 Local Government Areas since 2013(eleven years)However, the magnanimous act has also garnered gratitude and appreciation from beneficiaries across the state, who eulogized the Governor’s commitment to their welfare amidst the current challenging economic circumstances.Reacting to the cheering news, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, described the Governor as the Messiah of the Local Government Workers. He noted that this payment after eleven years, amidst the current challenging economic circumstances, will bring relief to the dedicated local government workers, reaffirming Governor Umo Eno’s reputation as a people-centric leader who prioritizes the welfare of his people.The Local Government and Chieftaincy boss said it was a further confirmation of the governor’s resolve to fulfill his pact with workers in the state and encouraged Local Government workers to reciprocate Pastor Eno’s magnanimity with their best service delivery at all times.In a chat with our reporter on Monday, Elder Thomas Etukuko from Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, while expressing his gratitude to God for using Governor Umo Eno to answer his prayers of over 10 years, confessed that he never believed he would collect the money in his lifetime because of the current economy.”I never thought such a generous gesture would happen after a decade, especially during this harsh economy where even the rich also complain. So, because Governor Umo Eno has proven his commitment to our welfare in such a way that amazes all of us who fasted and prayed, we will continue to pray to God to bless him and keep his throne for 8 years just like other democratically elected governors who have governed us since 1999.”On her part, Mrs. Felicia Edet from Abak LGA echoed similar sentiments, saying, “This is truly commendable. Governor Umo Eno’s action in clearing our salary arrears demonstrates his dedication to the well-being of workers like us. Somebody like me, I had since lost hope, but because of this singular act by Umo Eno, I will lead his second term campaigns in my local government area because he means well for Akwa Ibom.”Mr. Ededet Obot Akpabio from INI LGA, who also reacted, had this to say, “I extend my sincere appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his magnanimity. This unexpected relief shows his commitment not just to politicians but to people like us who never received attention from other leaders.”In Ikono Local Government Area, our correspondent gathered that there were jubilations in various homes where beneficiaries of the State Government’s magnanimous act reside. Ms. Idaraesit Umoidem from Okon Eket in Ikono LGA remarked, “Governor Umo Eno’s swift action in clearing our long-standing salary arrears in just 10 months in office is remarkable. I am deeply thankful for his compassion and dedication to our welfare.”Recall that during his campaign, Governor Eno had promised to continue paying the backlog of gratuity from where his immediate predecessor in office had stopped. Before the current release, N5.3 billion had been released by the governor for retired workers in the state. A few months ago, an additional one-month salary, otherwise called 13th-month salary or “Enomber,” was approved for civil servants in the State to bring Christmas cheers.In keeping with his campaign promise, the Governor recently released another 2.7 billion naira for the payment of gratuities to retired workers and leave grants for primary school teachers. The recent release means that Governor Umo Eno, in eleven months of his administration, has paid a total of 14.7 billion naira for some workers who thought they have been forgotten.