Monarch rues neglect, degradation of oil-rich Akwa Ibom community

Owong Effiong Bassey Archianga, the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has raised the alarm over what he described as a “longstanding developmental imbalance” in his local government.

He regretted that previous governors relegated Ibeno in terms of infrastructural development and political appointments.

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Ibeno is an oil rich producing local government in Akwa Ibom, which hosts the highest number of International Oil Companies (IOCs), including ExxonMobil Nigeria.

In a statement obtained by The Guardian on Friday, the royal father wondered why an LGA which contributes approximately 75% of the state’s monthly revenue would be treated poorly in terms of infrastructural development.

According to him, “Since 1999, Ibeno has produced only four commissioners, two of whom were appointed by Obong Victor Attah between 1999 and 2006.

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“Currently, Ibeno has no representation in the State Executive Council or the State House of Assembly.”

Archianga noted that from 1999 to 2006, not a single kilometer of road was constructed in Ibeno, even during a period of developmental renaissance in the state, adding that portable water was also lacking.

His words, “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.

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“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.

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“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 asserted that Ibeno was an integral part of the Akwa Ibom Project and deserved better treatment from the state government.

The monarch, however, reassured the governor of the continued support and cooperation of the people of Ibeno in achieving greater heights for the state.

He called on Governor Eno to explore ways to bring the people of Ibeno closer to the government and foster a sense of unity amongst them.