Some criticisms have trailed the proposed construction of the 19 storey ibom tower, which is to be constructed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration at Victoria Island, Lagos. While many have endorsed the project as a worthy one, few have criticized the project, tagging it as “wasteful,” in their thoughts, without analytically looking at the benefits that will accrue to the state, when the project is completed.
In spite of this minute criticisms, it is not new to people in the state, that the proposed project is being criticized. It was never unexpected, that such a magnificent project will fly without dissenting voices.
On the 21st of January, 2018, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, performed the foundation laying ceremony for an 8,500- seater capacity Akwa Ibom State International Worship Centre in Uyo, the state capital. This project was heavily criticized, with some threatening a showdown with the then Governor, to protest against the project. Former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who was resilient in his pursuit of implementing his administration’s blueprint, went ahead wuth the project, and today, the state is a choice destination, where the worship centre has become a tourist site
When the foundation for Ibom Plaza in Uyo was laid in May 2005, which formerly hosted the “urua uyo,” people saw Former Governor Attah as a man who was insensitive to the plight of the market men and women who hitherto occupied the place, and were making a living from there. Then Governor Attah, an Architect, who drew the Akwa Ibom State Master plan, was determined to proceed with the implementation of the project. Today, Ibom Plaza serves as a recreational and cultural center in the heart of Uyo, the state capital, with several businesses thriving, in the city centre, and Ibom plaza serves as a connecting point in the heart of the city. The critics are nowhere to be found, and everyone has moved on, enjoying the facility like nothing ever happened in trying to stop it.
In October 2012, under the administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio as Governor, the foundation stone for the Uyo International Stadium, also known as the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, was laid. The stadium in Uyo is a prominent sporting facility and has hosted various national and international events since its completion. Some weeks ago, FIFA certified the stadium as the only stadium in Nigeria which is suitable to host international games and CAF competitions. Not even the Abuja stadium was a match for our stadium in Uyo. This project had its fair share of backlash from some persons in Akwa Ibom state, as many saw it as a wastage and an elephant project. Today, this is the same stadium that Akwa Ibom people troop to, to have a relaxed mind to watch football. Where are the naysayers?
When then Governor Godswill Akpabio conceived the idea to construct the Itam Flyover, it was seen as another wastage of funds. Some persons in the state were fierce in their opposition that the state was not ripe for a flyover, and if we needed a flyover, we will go to Lagos or Port Harcourt to go and see a flyover. The Tropicana project was not different, the ring roads were not different, Ibom Air was not different, the Government House that the Governor operates from today, also came under heavy backlash.
The Udom Emmanuel Boulevard,(formerly Airport road), when it was to be expanded, people had dissenting voices, telling the immediate past Governor, if he didn’t have what to do with the state funds, he should share the money for them to eat, today, when you drive along the road, you will always have no choice, but to appreciate it. Should we also talk about the Airport project? When it was said that Akwa Ibom did not need an airport. Is there a need to still convince people that Akwa Ibom Airport, with the MRO inclusive, stands out as the only Airport in Nigeria with a Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul facility, which will generate billions of Naira to the state coffers as Internally Generated Revenue?
We are faced today, with yet another visionary Governor, who has proposed a project that will generate massive income for the state, to boost its IGR. Those who are short sighted, are not seeing what the Governor is seeing. Pastor Umo Eno, is a leader, with God given wisdom, and with the authority bestowed on him, he sees beyond what mortals are seeing.
Like in the days of old, leaders have always been criticized with their ideas. These ideas will always not augur well for everyone, but posterity will always stand him out. The future holds so much for the state with the Ibom Towers in focus. I have taken time to also enlighten some Akwa Ibom people that Governor Umo Eno means well for the people and the state in general. We have a people centric Governor, who has always put the people first. Then why should we think that such a Leader, will want to embark on a project that will be retrogressive to the state?
Before the end of the Governor’s administration, more projects will still be criticized, if the ARISE homes the Governor has given out to the downtrodden across the state has been criticized, then we have to brace up for more criticisms.
But in the end, the future will tell, when the fruits of these projects are enjoyed, these criticisms will be forgotten, history will vindicate Governor Umo Eno.
A REPUTATION FOUNDED ON INTEGRITY, MUST BE NURTURED BY TRUTH.
Eneh John, PhD
A Journalist, writes from Ikot Uso Ekong, Eket.
