“Why Did You Start With Mortuary?” – Governor Eno Questions Contractor

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has sparked widespread reactions across social media after a video emerged showing him questioning a contractor over the sequence of work on an ongoing hospital project in the state. The viral clip, which has since generated heated debate online, captured a moment during the governor’s inspection visit when he openly expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor’s choice to begin construction with a mortuary.

The video, shared on Facebook by Uche Nworah, a former Special Adviser on General Duties to the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, shows the contractor briefing Governor Eno on the progress of the project. However, the briefing was interrupted when the governor reacted strongly to the revelation that the mortuary was the first major structure completed on the hospital site.

Visibly surprised, Governor Eno questioned the logic behind the decision, stating emphatically, “Why did you start with mortuary? I said build a hospital and you started with a mortuary. Don’t say that again.” The remark, delivered in a mix of seriousness and light humour, immediately drew laughter from some officials present at the site, including security personnel, while others appeared momentarily stunned.

Although the governor later laughed during the exchange, many viewers interpreted his comments as a reflection of genuine concern over misplaced priorities in public infrastructure projects. For others, the moment was simply another example of Nigeria’s unique brand of political theatre—serious governance issues unfolding alongside humour and cultural sensitivities.

The video quickly gained traction online, with Nigerians sharply divided over whether the governor was right to challenge the contractor’s approach. While some defended Governor Eno, arguing that hospitals should prioritise lifesaving facilities such as emergency wards, theatres, and outpatient departments, others insisted that the mortuary is an essential component of a modern hospital and should not be treated as an afterthought.

One commentator likened the situation to building a school and starting with the playground, or constructing a road and installing streetlights before laying asphalt. According to this view, even though the mortuary is part of the hospital, it should not logically come before critical medical infrastructure meant to save lives.

Conversely, critics of the governor’s reaction argued that construction sequencing is a technical decision best left to professionals. They maintained that contractors often begin with less intrusive or standalone structures to allow smoother coordination as the project progresses. Some even suggested that if the hospital had been completed before the inspection, no one would have known which section was built first.

Beyond the technical arguments, cultural undertones also shaped public reactions. Several commentators suggested that the governor’s reaction reflected a deeply rooted societal discomfort with death and anything associated with it. Others dismissed this interpretation, insisting the issue was not superstition but governance, accountability, and the symbolism of public projects in a state grappling with healthcare challenges.

The incident also reignited broader discussions about Nigeria’s reliance on foreign contractors for major infrastructure projects. Some questioned why expatriate firms—often perceived as Lebanese or European—continue to dominate public construction contracts despite the abundance of qualified Nigerian engineers and construction firms. In response, others argued that funding sources, project financing arrangements, and past experiences often influence the choice of contractors.

While the debate over the hospital project raged online, Governor Eno continued with other state engagements that highlighted a different side of his administration. Just days earlier, the governor presented brand-new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to all former deputy governors of Akwa Ibom State as a gesture of appreciation for their past service.

Presenting the keys to the Land Cruiser vehicles at Government House in Uyo, Governor Eno described the gesture as a recognition of sacrifice, loyalty, and contributions made by the former officials to the growth of the state. He also announced an upward review of allowances for traditional rulers and improvements in their access to healthcare services.

According to the governor, traditional rulers play a vital role in maintaining peace at the grassroots level, and supporting them was essential to sustaining stability and development across the state. He urged them to continue fostering harmony within their domains and to support his administration’s ARISE Agenda, which focuses on inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and improved welfare for citizens.

As the dust settles on the viral hospital inspection video, many observers believe the episode underscores a larger issue in Nigerian governance: the need for clearer communication between political leaders and technical professionals, as well as transparency in project planning and execution. Whether Governor Eno’s reaction was driven by symbolism, cultural instinct, or genuine concern over priorities, the moment has succeeded in drawing national attention to how public projects are conceptualised, executed, and perceived by the people they are meant to serve.