Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the state’s worsening ecological challenges and also support the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project.
Speaking after leading a high-powered delegation to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Governor Eno emphasised that Akwa Ibom was facing severe environmental threats, particularly from gully erosion, which was endangering communities and even government infrastructure.
He noted that the delegation, which included former Governor Udom Emmanuel, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, came to show solidarity with President Tinubu and encourage him in his leadership.
“We have major ecological issues, including gully erosion that is almost consuming the Government House. Our request to Mr. President is for a presidential intervention to help us address this urgent issue,” the governor stated.
He revealed that the state government had already embarked on an ambitious effort to reclaim affected areas and transform them into viable infrastructure.
“We are turning an erosion site into a resort as part of our development efforts. I have invited Mr. President to commission this very ambitious project, and we hope for federal support to expand these initiatives,” he added.
Governor Eno also underscored the importance of the Ibom Deep Seaport to both the state and the national economy, noting that no state government could execute such a large-scale project alone.
“We need the federal government’s support to make the Ibom Deep Seaport a reality. This project will not only transform Akwa Ibom but will also be a game-changer for the entire region and the country,” he said.
According to the governor, the proposed seaport, with a depth of 17.2 meters—the deepest in Nigeria—holds the potential to boost trade, create jobs, and enhance economic growth.
“We have already started constructing access roads and other infrastructure, but we need the federal government to step in and support us,” he stressed.
Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and improving the lives of Akwa Ibom residents.
He urged President Tinubu to visit the state and see firsthand the ongoing projects, including the deep seaport and ecological restoration efforts.
“Our second major request to Mr. President is to visit Akwa Ibom to commission these projects and see what we are doing to advance development in the state,” he said.
Governor Eno emphasised the need for national unity and highlighted the peaceful coexistence of political leaders in Akwa Ibom across party lines.
“We came to thank Mr. President for standing by our son, distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, as the Senate President of the 10th Senate, and for appointing our sons and daughters into the federal government,” Governor Eno stated.
He also acknowledged the economic challenges faced by the Tinubu administration and urged the president to continue with his economic reforms, saying that early signs of recovery were already visible.
“As leaders, we must encourage him to continue these reforms. When you encourage leaders, they do more,” he added.
During the visit, Akwa Ibom traditional rulers conferred on President Tinubu the highest traditional title in the state, Otuekong, meaning “Commander in Chief,” as a mark of support and respect.
“The traditional rulers took the opportunity to honor the President, showing that we stand with him and will support him in his leadership,” Governor Eno said.
Former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who was also part of the delegation, expressed satisfaction with the unity displayed among Akwa Ibom leaders, regardless of political affiliations.
“This is unprecedented. It shows the direction of unity in the state, and with unity comes peace, and with peace comes progress,” he said.
He commended President Tinubu for warmly receiving the delegation and Governor Eno for successfully organizing the visit, noting that the presence of past and present stakeholders demonstrated a shared commitment to Akwa Ibom’s growth.
Addressing questions on how he has managed to maintain a cordial relationship with his predecessor and other political figures in the state, Governor Eno attributed it to grace and wisdom.
“For me, by calling, I’m a pastor, and there’s no price too high to pay for peace. When you show humility and respect to past leaders, they will embrace you,” he stated.
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