By Nelson Utip
The Paramount Ruler of of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, His Royal Majesty, Owong Effiong Bassey Archianga has ruesd over the longstanding developmental imbalance in his community in terms of infrastructure an Political Appointments in spite of it’s contribution in oil production as the host of the highest number of International Oil Companies (IOCs), including ExxonMobil Nigeria.
Achianga in a statement made available to Newsmen in Uyo recently wondered why a community which contributes approximately 75% of the state’s monthly revenue would be treated with disdain in infrastructural development.
“Since 1999, Ibeno has produced only four commissioners, two of whom were appointed by Obong Arc. Victor Attah between 1999 and 2006.
“Currently, Ibeno has no representation in the State Executive Council or the State House of Assembly.” He noted.
He observed that from 1999 to 2006, no road or water project was instituted in the area.
“The people have never had access to potable water; the last attempted water project was in 1975 and remained incomplete, leaving behind decaying steel tanks as a grim reminder of the community’s plight.
“The terrain of Ibeno, rich in oil deposits, complicates the availability of clean drinking water, forcing residents to rely on stagnant and polluted ponds.
“Under the current administration of Governor Umo Eno, the government introduced a One-Project per LGA initiative.
“While projects in other local government areas have progressed, the project selected by the people of Ibeno has yet to materialize.
“It is particularly disheartening that the second phase of these projects has already commenced across the state while Ibeno has not even begun the first phase.
“The Akwa Ibom State Government, under Pastor Umo Eno, awarded a minimum of 10 kilometers of road contracts in each local government area.
“To the shock and dismay of Ibeno residents, the area that contributes significantly to the state’s revenue was excluded from the road project.
“The only hospital serving the entire local government is a Cottage Hospital built during the Godswill Akpabio administration.
“Today, it is poorly equipped and in a state of neglect. Despite promises made by Udom’s administration, the hospital has not been renovated or furnished.
“This is particularly disheartening given that Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, during his tenure from 2015 to 2023, renovated several hospitals across the state and constructed new ones, yet the plight of Ibeno remained unchanged.” He complained.
Achianga asserted that as an intergal part of Akwa Ibom state, Ibeno deservee a better treatment from the state government, while reassuring the governor of the continued support and cooperation of the people of Ibeno, he called on Governor Umo Eno to bring his people closer to his government.
