Since its creation in 1987, Akwa Ibom State
which is made up of thirty-one (31) LGAs has had its major economic activities
centralized in Uyo the official capital city.
While Uyo is one of the local governments in the state that has enjoyed its
pride of place, it is worthy of note that there are other few LGAs that get to
receive similar preferential treatments in terms of infrastructural
concentration.
This special treatment I must say is unrelated to the geographical location of
the LGs nor can it be said they were picked at random to play host to
government privileged largesse.They are preferenced by the sheer virtue of
having their 'sons' as the number one citizen of the state.These local
governments are lucky and infact enviable to those who feel unfortunate not to
hail from there.
The trend started with a certain governor from
Essien Udim LGA, specifically Ukana village where the federal polytechnic
originally proposed to be sited in Ibiono LG was politically moved to.Currently
Ibiono can't point at anything substantial from the government it supported for
8years, and still supporting.
Cottage hospital, a medical facility known to be well equipped to standard is
situated in Ukana, Essien Udim LG. There is no other community hospital built
to taste sited anywhere else in the state. A police college is deemed fit to be
in Ukana, and aside the mobile police (MOPOL) base in Uyo, the next other one
in Akwa Ibom State is built in Ukana, which ensures the security of Essien Udim
and the neighborhood.
It is also very visible that most of the major roads constructed by the then
governor Godswill Akpabio are connected to his hometown and LG. A little
investigation into the power sector will confirm the fact that there are more
electrical transformers concentrated in Essien Udim than in 15 other LGAs put
together.
Consequently, we can say that between 2007-2015, Essien Udim became the
unofficial capital city of Akwa Ibom State.
Roll over to this current era where the baton
of power is thrown to Onna, the home LG of Gov Udom Emmanuel. In two (2)years
of his government, the blind can see and the deaf can't help but hear how the
governor's local government has become the beautiful bride for potential
suitors and a destination for all investors.
The governor in his wisdom has given instructions that roads be speedily
constructed through his father's land, a flour mill is to be set up in Onna LG,
Jubilee Syringe factory has found its way to Onna, and the Metering company
(which we are told is the first of its kind in Africa) is gracefully situated
in Mr Governor's hometown. Cleverman he is, according to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
This is merely two years, two more to go and we are sure the people of this
lucky and favourite local government will surely count more blessings.
Of course if is not Onna, where else!??
Oron can cry foul as much as they want over
marginalization, it doesn't matter.
Itu can scream for centuries for their car assembling plant to be set up, it
doesn't matter, they should produce their own governor.
Esit Eket shouldn't even bother to talk, at least Mobil is just around its
little corner.
Mbo can wait eternally for her own governor to come construct the much expected
Ibaka deep seaport.
In spite of having the deputy governor from there, I'm sure Abak is not
qualified enough for amenities or industries. Pa Moses' second position in the
state carries no sufficient weight for such attraction of investment.
Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo can continue with their fight and internal security
troubles, there's no need for a mobile police barracks as the number one
citizen is not from there.
Eastern Obolo have gnashed their teeth for years now to no avail, I will advise
them to probably wait for their turn in the next century, they're almost at the
outskirts of the state, a hopeless geographical location.
All others not mentioned should feel free to
count their losses for not producing a "gufnor". I'm very sure the
people of Ibesikpo Asutan must be regretting their opportunity in Arch. Obong
Victor Attah who seems to be the only exception to this rule. He obviously
played the "good guy" by focusing on an Akwa Ibom project and not
that of Ibesikpo. The very road to his village was not constructed at the end
of his 8-year tenure, yet no one can fault him over the foundational
development he gave the state. His fight and struggle for more oil funds
/proceeds to the State just before he signed out is unforgettable.
Should we continue in this manner of self-
centered, non-inclusive governance where every local government contributes
their quota of revenue generation but only few get to benefit from the
proceeds?
How can Akwa Ibom State be so governed with skewed appointments and uneven
distribution of our common wealth and we expect a sense of unity and that of
brotherhood to foster amongst us.
Some few weeks ago, the media aides of the
state government came up with a hashtag #GovUdomCares,
and we do not disagree with them. We know that governor Udom cares passionately
about building only that which is his. Gov Udom cares a lot about Onna LG, and
specifically Awa clan.
Gov. Udom surely does not care about other local governments like Eastern
obolo, he does not care about Ikono, and he does not care about Orue/Ofong
Oruko. This is a huge thumbs-down on his leadership style which he obviously
learnt from "the great teacher".
While we continue to wait and hope for that leader who truly loves Akwa Ibom
and all the people therein, Onna can continue to hold sway as the unofficial
capital city of Akwa Ibom State.
But we know that where there is a spread of
development, the people hardly care where a leader is from.
God bless us!
©Imaobong Akpan
Sociopolitical analyst.
(Columnist @PeaceLetters)
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