Account For N3trn Allocation, ADC Guber Candidate Tells Gov Eno

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John James Akpanudoehe, has challenged Governor Umo Eno to account for over ₦3 trillion in revenue allegedly received by his administration in the last three years, questioning the impact of the funds on the lives of residents.

Akpanudoehe, who accused the incumbent administration of failing to translate the state’s huge revenue inflows into meaningful development, said Akwa Ibom residents were yet to feel the impact of the resources through improved infrastructure and economic opportunities.

The former National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) made the allegations while addressing journalists at his residence in Uyo, the state capital, where he unveiled his manifesto ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“I wish to state that Akwa Ibom has never been this bad in terms of development. Can Umo Eno account for over ₦3 trillion accrued to this administration?” he queried.

The ADC candidate also faulted the state government’s reported reliance on debt repayment to explain its spending priorities, arguing that borrowing was not necessarily detrimental to development when tied to projects that directly benefited the people.

“Recently, he (the governor) boasted of clearing debts owed by former administrations. Debt is not a bad omen as he wants people to see. Loans, when tied to people-centric projects, are a welcome development.

“The governor must tell us the reason he is more interested in paying debts than empowering Akwa Ibom and building infrastructure. Uyo has become a headquarters of potholes, while Itu Road, Church Road and environs have become death traps,” he said.

To buttress his argument, Akpanudoehe cited major projects executed by previous administrations, including the Ibom Airport, Ibom Le Meridien Hotel, Science Park, dual carriageways, ring roads and Ibom Power, which he attributed to former Governor Victor Attah.

He also listed the Government House, E-Library, International Stadium and several road projects among the achievements of former Governor Godswill Akpabio.

Similarly, he said former Governor Udom Emmanuel executed projects such as the 10-lane ring road, the 21-storey building, Ibom Air and the International Worship Centre.

Akpanudoehe argued that the borrowings undertaken by the previous administrations were tied to people-oriented projects, while accusing the current government of spending resources on community projects that fall within the responsibilities of local governments.

On the disputed oil wells between Akwa Ibom and neighbouring Cross River State, the ADC candidate alleged that the state government had not received revenue from the recently disputed oil wells.

“Akwa Ibom State Government has not received revenue from the recently disputed oil wells.

“Governor Umo Eno must answer some critical questions: Has Akwa Ibom lost oil wells to Cross River State?” he asked.

Unveiling his manifesto titled: Rich Land, Poor People: Kill Poverty Before It Kills Us,” Akpanudoehe pledged to pursue a development agenda focused on economic empowerment, grassroots governance and shared prosperity if elected governor.

He said his proposed administration would bring governance closer to the people by ensuring that opportunities and development reached communities across the state.

“We will be a government that empowers the people, grows the economy, and delivers shared prosperity, creating a greater Akwa Ibom where opportunity reaches every community and progress benefits every citizen,” he stated.

The ADC candidate further promised to inject ₦100 billion into the state’s economy within his first 100 days in office to provide accessible financing for entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, women and young people.

According to him, the proposed investment would stimulate economic activities, strengthen local businesses, create jobs and unlock the productive potential of residents.

He also pledged to tackle poverty through social protection programmes, targeted financial assistance, improved food security and sustainable support for vulnerable households.

“We will provide microloans without collateral and a credit guarantee scheme, with beneficiary lists published and no party card required. Our priority is to invest directly in our people because a prosperous Akwa Ibom State begins with an economically empowered population,” he said.

He identified education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and human capital development as other priority areas of intervention under his proposed administration.