Date Published: 09/06/09

Dear Sir,

Bad piece on A'Ibom intended as 'good' publicity

The Nation newspaper now priding itself as “Nigeria’s truly national Newspaper” is observed as supporting some select individuals and governments which Akwa Ibom government is inclusive. But what it might have perceived a good publicity for that government as contained in its edition of 31/08/09 entitled “Burden of Akwa Ibom”, is not. Therein the report was; that the population, crime soar as scores of jobless youths returns home and government yet unable to contain the situation.

The report unwittingly exposed the inadequacies in the present leadership of Akwa Ibom State. The report also confirmed that crime rates continued to climb while government pretends that things are getting better. The report also seems to have inferred that Akwa Ibom indigenes were involved in most menial jobs and crimes committed at the various States of the federation where they are returning from in their droves.

Akwa Ibom State government which now prides itself as the highest revenue earning State in the federation as a result of their federal allocation should not find it difficult providing succor to the returnees, but it is not so because most contracts in the State are either issued to cronies or fanned out to the multinationals with some pecuniary interest; of some people in government. 

Barnabas Osuanlele

198 Ikpoba Road

Benin-City, Edo State

barnabasosuanalele@yahoo.com