By Anamati Inyang, November 25, 2025 RismadarVoice Media
Award-winning investigative journalist, Ekemini Simon, has questioned the growing opacity in the financial management of Akwa Ibom State under Governor Umo Eno, describing the government’s handling of public financial documents as “a fundamental breach of public trust.”
In a strongly worded opinion shared on his official Facebook page, the renowned journalist expressed deep concern over the failure of the Akwa Ibom State Government to publish the 2025 Supplementary Budget, which was passed and assented to since October.
His statement comes on the day Governor Umo Eno is expected to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
“This is not a harmless oversight” -Simon
According to Simon, withholding a public budget is not an administrative delay but a deliberate act that shuts citizens out of their right to scrutinize government spending.
“A government that withholds budget documents is a government that deliberately blinds its people. It shuts the door against scrutiny, buries accountability, and invites suspicion,” Simon wrote.
He noted that Akwa Ibom people are being forced to ask basic questions that should already be answered in publicly accessible documents, insisting that transparency is a constitutional obligation, not a favour.
Budget reports reduced to 3 pages
Simon also criticized the administration for reducing the Budget Implementation Reports (BIR) to a mere three-page summary, a practice he described as “far below international best practice” and “contrary to the spirit of the Fiscal Responsibility Law.”
He pointed out that beyond Akwa Ibom and Rivers State, no other state in Nigeria currently operates with such limited disclosure.
“What is Governor Umo Eno trying to hide?”
He questioned the rationale behind the persistent refusal to publish complete budget details, especially at a time many states are experiencing increased revenue inflows.
“Why must the people beg or agitate for what is already their right?
A state that once prided itself on structure and transparency now seems trapped in a cloud of secrecy,” he added.
Assembly also indicted
Simon did not spare the State House of Assembly, insisting that the lawmakers have failed in their constitutional duty of oversight.
“For failing to act, they are clearly wanting in their oversight responsibility.”
He argued that presenting the 2026 budget without releasing the 2025 supplementary budget undermines public confidence.
A question that will linger
As Governor Eno prepares to lay the 2026 Appropriation Bill before the Assembly, Simon warns that one question will continue to echo among Akwa Ibom people:
“If you cannot publish yesterday’s budget, why should we trust tomorrow’s?”
About Ekemini Simon
Ekemini Simon is one of Akwa Ibom’s most respected investigative journalists, known for his commitment to accountability reporting and public interest journalism.
His stands on transparency and governance have earned him recognition both within and outside the state.
