Date Published: 12/13/10

Akwa Ibom Plans Expansion Of Ibom Power Plant

Governor Godswill Akpabio has hinted of his administration’s plans to expand the Ibom Independent Power Plant at Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

The Governor dropped the hint during a reception and solidarity rally organized in his honour by the people of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, comprising Mkpat enin, Ikot abasi and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas.

Akpabio stated that the commitment to expand the Power Plant at Ikot Abasi was aimed at ensuring that it remains a major hub of the economy of the state.

He pointed out that about 150 personnel of the Nigerian Navy have been assigned duties to actualize the establishment of a Naval base by the Federal Government at Ikot Abasi.

The Governor said that his administration would also focus on the development of the permanent site of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area as part of mega projects in Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency.

Akpabio assured that his government would soon commence discussion with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the reconstruction of Atan Ikpe bridge and Esenne community roads.

He stated that the Okoroete-Amadaka road and associated road spurs in Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency would take off at the beginning of next year, assuring of quality in the reconstruction.

The chairman of the rally, Obong Akpan Etukudo, had requested for the construction of Okoroete-amadaka-Atabrikang roads to integrate the federal constituency.

Etukudo also requested that Chief Akpabio should consider the development of Okoroete beach to boost tourism in the state as well as provision of a general hospital in Mkpat Enin Local Government area.

A former special adviser on Political and Legislative Affairs in the immediate-past administration, Elder Joe Udobia, appealed to the governor to remain consistent in developing the state, irrespective of few criticisms from parts of the state.

Udobia described the people of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency as those with the patience of waiting for their share of reward in development, calling for reconstruction of roads linking Mkpat Enin and Onna Local Government Area through a spur at the East West highway under construction.

He noted that the second term ambition of Chief Akpabio in 2011 was an old project with the tendency of winning increasing on a daily basis, adding, “it is a reward not in heaven but on earth on good works.”

A former commissioner in the state, Obong Obot Etukaffia, described the administration of Chief Akpabio as a “continuum” that brings execution of projects to completion for the interest of Akwa Ibom.

Etukaffia said in the administration of the state, Chief Akpabio has combined the qualities of a politician and statesman, thinking of the next generation through free education programme, power plant, establishment of a university and others.

He remarked that by the governor’s landmark achievements in Akwa Ibom, especially Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, “there was no vacancy in Government House for other candidates in 2011 elections.”

Others who made remarks at the rally are the member for Ikot Abasi in the House of Representatives, Otuekong Benard Udoh, who extolled the sterling qualities of the governor in the next election.

Courtesy Pioneer