The African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State for the 2027 election, Senator John Udoedehe, has urged Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to stop the blame games and take decisive steps to actualise the Ibom Deep Seaport project.
Udoedehe, who made the call during an interview with newsmen in Uyo, alleged that the state government was deliberately delaying the project for selfish financial interests, while allowing arguments over its nomenclature to distract from its execution.
He said the project had secured the necessary approval during the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, stressing that the state should focus on moving it forward.
“The project had secured necessary approval during the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
“The state should concentrate on actualising the seaport instead of being distracted by arguments over whether it is called Ibaka, Oron or Ibom Deep Seaport,” he said.
The former Minister of State, who said he contributed to the project’s development as a former member of the Nigerian Ports Authority board and Chairman of its South Finance Committee, traced its origin to the administration of former Governor Victor Attah.
According to him, the seaport has the potential to transform the state’s economy and reduce poverty if properly executed.
Beyond the seaport project, Udoedehe criticised successive administrations for failing to translate Akwa Ibom’s abundant resources and revenue into improved living conditions for its citizens.
He described the state as “wealthy but poor at 39,” arguing that its vast resources and human capital had not been sufficiently harnessed to benefit ordinary people.
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Emphasising that governance should be measured by its impact on citizens, he also questioned whether Governor Eno had fully utilised the expertise and intellectual capacity available within his cabinet.
“If you look at this cabinet, there are a lot of educated people there. I know a lot of sound people in this government. Have they used them optimally? Have they been able to exercise who they are?” he asked.
Udoedehe further argued that government must move beyond the execution of programmes and projects to establish sustainable economic structures capable of creating jobs and stimulating businesses.
He also questioned the sustainability of some projects initiated by previous administrations, citing industries established under the immediate past administration which he alleged were no longer functioning due to the absence of adequate sustainability plans.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, Udoedehe promised that his administration would introduce effective measures to tackle poverty and maximise the state’s human resources if elected governor.
He said his government would deliberately assemble and empower competent people, giving them the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to policymaking and development rather than merely implementing directives from the governor.
“Akwa Ibom can no longer afford to have immense resources, competent professionals and enormous economic potential without corresponding improvements in the lives of its citizens,” he said.
