Saturday June 28, 2025
By Bassey ANTHONY
The All Progressives Congress Media Network (APCMN) has knocked critics over the planned location of the Southsouth Development Commission (SSDC) headquarters in Akwa Ibom state.
The group said the insinuation that the SSDC office would be sited in the private property of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio was not only malicious but intended to cause disunity in the region.
The APCMN was responding to an open letter to Governor Umo Eno by one Emmanuel Sam, publisher of a state-based newspaper, who alleged that Akpabio plans to corner the SSDC office to his private residence instead of the 21-storey Dakkada Towers.
In the letter, it was also alleged that former Governor Udom Emmanuel player a major role in the conception and establishment of the SSDC.
But in a statement on Saturday, the Director General of APC Media Network, Otuekong Iniobong John said the letter was capable of distorting facts and creating disunity.
John maintained that the management of SSDC reserves the right to site it’s office anywhere it chooses, adding that the most thing was for the commission to bring immense benefits to the people of the Southsouth.
“The claims that the SSDC plans to use a private property owned by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as its head office instead of the 21-floor Dakkada Towers owned by the state government are baseless and unfounded.
“It is essential to note that Senator Godswill Akpabio played a pivotal role in facilitating the choice of Akwa Ibom State as the headquarters of the SSDC and the appointment of an indigene of the state, Ms. Usoro Offiong Akpabio, as the pioneer Managing Director of the commission.
“These facts demonstrate his commitment to the development of the state and the South-South region. The APCMN commends Senator Akpabio for his efforts in facilitating the appointment and the choice of Akwa Ibom State as the commission’s headquarters. His contributions to the state’s development are undeniable.
“The SSDC management has the liberty to choose any property as its head office, just like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had its head office in a private property in Port Harcourt for over twenty years. The focus should be on the benefits the SSDC’s headquarters will bring to Akwa Ibom State”, John said.
The statement further said, “Contrary to Emmanuel Sam’s false claims, the immediate past governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, had no role in the conception or establishment of the SSDC, nor did he influence the choice of Akwa Ibom State as its headquarters.
‘It is evident that some disgruntled politicians are trying to create tension between the Senate President and the governor.
“The APCMN is optimistic that the collaborative relationship between Governor Pastor Umo Eno and Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio will yield significant benefits for Akwa Ibom State, driving progress and enhancing the state’s interests. This synergy will undoubtedly propel the state towards greater development and prosperity.
“We warn the sponsors to desist from stoking embers of unnecessary disunity and tension in the state. Their actions are divisive and detrimental to Akwa Ibom State’s progress. We urge them to focus on constructive engagement and meaningful contributions to the state’s growth”.
