Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has expressed regrets that the blue economy regime currently being pursued by his administration was under threat of being truncated by community stakeholders from the Oro nation.
The governor recalled that the key project at the centre of the state’s economy diversification plan, had witnessed such community bickering in time past, forcing investors to withdraw.
He, therefore, warned that if such anti-development actions and disagreements that could jeopardise the realisation of the mega project subsist, he would not hesitate to hands-off this time again.
The governor gave the warning at the weekend while addressing guests at a gala night hosted for the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, the state capital.
He said his administration remains focused on the overall development of the state and would not tolerate any form of dispute capable of discouraging investors or delaying the take-off of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
Highlighting the economic importance of the project, the governor noted that “the Deep Seaport is designed to serve not only Akwa Ibom State, but the wider region, boosting trade and complementing the state’s growing tourism profile.”
He, therefore, disclosed plans to convene a crucial meeting with leaders and stakeholders from the Oro nation within the next two weeks “to address lingering concerns and build consensus.”
According to the governor, failure to reach a common ground could force the government to reconsider or even abandon the project, and expressed his administration’s commitment to mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the successful commencement of the seaport project.
On infrastructure, Governor Eno said Akwa Ibom boasts one of the most economically viable road networks in the country, with over 1,368 kilometres of roads and 49 bridges facilitating the movement of goods and services.
He also announced that a 350-bed tertiary and quaternary hospital would be commissioned on Tuesday, June 23, with the minister of Health expected to attend the event.
