Projects Not Carried Out for Political Reasons in Akwa Ibom, Says Gov. Eno

In keeping to his campaign promise of connecting the dots especially in the area of rural development, Governor Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has flagged-off road construction projects to re-connect communities in Obot Akara, Essien Udim and Etim Ekpo local government areas.

The roads flagged-off include 11.71Km Abiakpo Ikot Otu-Atan Ibong-Usaka Annang Road and Nto Ndang-Nto Ekpu Road, with two bridges, each spanning 15 metres, and 16km Midim Atan-Ikot InyangIkot Akpan Ekpeyong-Etok Uruk Eshiet-Ikot Imonte Road, with 30 metres span bridge, linking some villages in Essien Udim and Etim Ekpo local government areas.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the Essien Udim - Etim Ekpo access road at St. Paul’s Primary School Midim, Essien Udim, Governor Eno said his administration was committed to the promise made during his campaign and urged the people to exercise patience as every part of the state will benefit from his administration.

He reaffirmed his commitment to selecting and undertaking projects primarily on the basis of impact and benefits to the generality of the people, rather than satisfying and serving individual’s interest.

Eno noted that he was moved by the sad stories of the community and especially, the "pregnant-womenswallowing-bridge" as was told by one of the community members, and assured that such sad tales will become history within the shortest time.

He stressed that the 16Km Essien Udim-Etim Ekpo Road and the bridge projects had no political motivation, but a pointer to his administration's sensitivity to the plight of the people, especially the women and children who had been exposed to avoidable risk by using the collapsed road and bridge.

According to him, "we didn't come to do this projects based on political reasons. It is God that directs the government on this road project, not any politician.

“We are connecting two local government areas by this project.

"We want to thank our brother, Celestine Mel who has used his God-given talents to attract this project here.