CSO Decries High Poverty In Akwa Ibom Amid Increased Revenue From Federal Gov’t

A civil society organisation, the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has expressed dismay, that despite sharp increase in monthly federal allocations to States and Local Government Areas, the poverty index still remains alarmingly high in Akwa Ibom State.

The CSO recalled that Akwa Ibom State got a whopping N26 billion as its monthly allocation in February, with commensurate leap in allocations to the 31 local government areas from the centre, due to the removal of fuel subsidy.

It however regretted that the new funding regime which more than doubles the previous eras, has not reflected positively on the living conditions of the people.

Addressing the new leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, the Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklin Isong, tasked the Governor Umo Eno – led government on responsive and responsible leadership that touches on the well-being of the people, especially at this time of national socio-economic travails.

Quoting the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), the CSO listed allocations accruable to the Councils with Uyo, controlling the highest share of N397 million monthly.

Others include Essien Udim, N324 million; Ibiono Ibom, N323 million; Mkpat Enin, N322 million; Oruk Anam, N319 million with the least, Udung Uko, N239 million.

Usong expressed worry that as the Councils’ helmsmen marked their first 100 days in office, sustainable people-oriented developments remain far from touching the lives at the grassroots.

“Despite sharp increase in federal allocations occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal to the State government and the 31 LGAs, an overwhelming majority of the people of Akwa Ibom State are living in abject poverty and enduring untold hardship,” the CHRAN Director noted.

Although he lauded the Governor on the establishment of the Bulk Purchase Agency (BPA), aimed at crashing the exorbitant food prices, the Centre urged government to be decisive in its implementation, stressing that “the good intention of the Governor might be defeated if a non-partisan approach is not adopted in the implementation process.”

Isong, therefore, advocated for the inclusion of representatives CSOs on the Board of the Agency, “to allay the fears of members of the public that the agency is intended to serve only the interests of members of a particular political party in the State.”

Towards ascertaining the performance of government at the grassroots level, CHRAN, he disclosed, “has petitioned the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, on the need for the House to intensify its oversight responsibility as a first-line measure by embarking on an assessment tour of the 31 LGAs to appraise the state of development.”

“The CHRAN noted with worry that construction work is yet to commence on some road projects flagged – off by the Governor over five months ago. Such roads include Tabernacle Road, off Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo and Ikot Ada Idem/Ikot Oku Ikono Road.

“We commend the Governor for flagging – off the construction of Ikot Ekan/Ediene Abak Road and the Idoro Road (Berger Junction)/Okobo Ibiono Ring Road. Government should ensure that roads are constructed according to specification and completed within time,” he stressed.

Isong solicited for the collaboration of journalists in the state towards ensuring equitable and effective resource management and appropriation, as part of measures to hold government and public office holders to account in the interest of the people that voted them into power.