TUESDAY May 6, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has strongly criticized Governor Umo Eno over what it describes as a lack of inclusivity in the governance of the state. Rising from its General Assembly meeting held on May 5, 2025, IPAC expressed disappointment with the Governor’s continued exclusion of other political parties in the running of the state’s affairs.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the council lambasted the Governor for what it termed a “cosmetic approach” to inclusivity, accusing him of favoring the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid rumours of his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. According to IPAC, the development has left many Akwa Ibom residents with the impression that the state may soon evolve into a one-party system — a perception the council strongly opposes.
*”The people of Akwa Ibom should be rest assured that all registered political parties will present candidates for all elective positions, from the governorship down to the least office,”* the council stated.
While acknowledging the Governor’s past efforts in engaging political actors across party lines, including his recent assembly of so-called “critical stakeholders” for a visit to the President, IPAC maintained that such efforts have not translated into practical inclusivity in governance.
IPAC noted with concern that since Governor Umo Eno’s alleged move to defect to the APC, there has been a visible tilt in government patronage and project allocations in favor of APC members, to the detriment of other parties. The council emphasized the need for balanced political representation and fairness in governance, warning that lopsidedness could deepen political discontent in the state.
The council further decried the growing absence of accountability in the execution of public projects in Akwa Ibom. According to IPAC, the lack of transparency in project planning, funding, and implementation is worrisome and calls for immediate redress.
On security, IPAC condemned the deteriorating marine safety across the state’s coastal areas. It cited the recent kidnapping of travelers en route from Oron to Calabar as evidence of the government’s failure to secure its waterways. The council called for urgent interventions to restore confidence in the state’s maritime transport system.
Additionally, IPAC expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in implementing the state’s proposed transit system, which, although passed by the Executive Council, has remained stalled without any visible progress.
In conclusion, IPAC urged Governor Umo Eno to match his rhetoric with action by ensuring genuine inclusivity, transparency, and security for all Akwa Ibomites, regardless of political affiliation.
