Date Published: 10/22/09

Dear Editor,

Reading Dele Sobowale's article on Akwa Ibom

Veteran columnist Dele Sobowale is read widely; people respect his opinion. What he did in his Vanguard and National Life three-part article (columns) on Akwa Ibom recently, is what I expect genuine journalists to always do.

Sobowale took time off to Akwa Ibom State to investigate for himself on some ranging claims and counter-claims; and what he saw and reported was very revealing. He confirmed from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital authorities that the seventeen Dialysis equipments said to have been donated by Akpabio administration were yet to be received. He was conducted round to see what he already knew about; the centre built and equipped by Attah administration and in it, had provision for only six Dialysis equipments. In what appeared a veiled acceptance of the fact on ground, the insinuation now making the round is that governor Akpabio planned the donation and not that he has already donated. 

The second revelation by columnist Sobowale is that one of Attah’s legacies is the introduction of free education in Akwa Ibom up to JSS-3; Akpabio in continuum moved the stake to SSS-3. But the impression still being created is that anything free education emanated only from Akpabio administration.  This is not true.

Sobowale’s article under reference should put paid to all the Attah’s and Akpabio’s people claim and counter-claims. His article also left a good advice for Akpabio; urging him never to rely solely on his speech writers but to always crosscheck speeches written for him before using, in order to avoid things that could easily be proven otherwise.

There should not be any more disputes about all these revelations and it should not be regarded as trying to run anyone up or down; it is just for clear understanding and appreciation of good work of the past and present administrations in Akwa Ibom, as we are being truthfully informed.

  Mr. Kenneth Dagogo, Bukuru, Jos, Plateau State .