Ibom Seaport Project: Govt Must Cash In On President’s Approval And Submit Committal Proposals, Says Ex-Commissioner Effanga

By Tony UKPONG

Former Commissioner and political stalwart, Mr Samuel Effanga has advised Akwa Ibom Government, to cash in on the latest President’s approval extended to the Ibom Seaport project.

Effanga, who was carrying out a postmortem on the just concluded presidential visit to the state, observed that, by the recent pronouncement, the President has made a committal approval and it is the duty of the state government to follow up immediately with powerful proposals to weed the President to line.
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“I know approvals have been given in the past by previous administrations but i think this latest one promises to be the most impactful and remarkable, judging from the President’s mood and disposition at the approval venue.
This, for me, is a more impactful and historic approval ever, especially made under the auspices of Akwa Ibom people, which should not be taken for granted”, the former Commissioner remarked.

He said it was necessary and incumbent on the Umo Eno led administration to follow up the template doggedly for optimal result.

The approval according him, was a direct commitment that the Federal Government is ready to guarrantee the project bond and intentionally get involve financially, as a guarantor, to see the project to fruition.

The Uyo- born APC Stalwart noted that that with the ongoing commitment and compassion exhibited by Gov Umo Eno towards the project, there was no argument that it will soon get off the ground in earnest.

He said once the project can boast of federal government equiy investment shares, foreign investors would intentionally be interested to come in as technical partners and this will be complimented by both the state government and private sector participations.

Describing the Presidential Visit as remarkable and a mark of honour to the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, he noted that the President’s acceptance to spend a night in Akwa Ibom State went a long way to demonstrate the level of confidence he has in our much taunted security and safety ecosystem.

“I noted that the President was highly elated and visibly relaxed, ostensibly because of the various security and safety arrangements he witnessed on ground upon his arrival.
It’s not every state the President would accept to visit, let alone passing a night. I see this as a confirmation that, Akwa Ibom State is good to go in terms of security and safety”, Effanga authoritatively affirmed.

The former Science and Technology Commissioner used the opportunity to commend Governor Umo Eno for his exemplary leadership style, which was the reason for the presidential visit and thumb up for the maturity Akwa Ibom people exhibited before, during and after the historic visit.

Urging Akwa Ibomites to rise up and give necessary support the Seaport project deserves, Effanga called on the Federal Government to deliberately establish her presence in the state.
“We are sure of the 2million votes as a token of promise by our Governor but please our President should make it a win-win situation as we need the Seaport project as a priority”, he further emphasized.

Effanga warned those still fighting over the project name to be weary of time and opportunity, pointing out that, what should interest all of us now is the speedy actualization of the project and not an immaterial issue like name.