Get Guardian on GoogleGov Eno hails Tinubu’s approval, projects economic transformation
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his renewed promise to construct the Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, questioning why the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to make fresh commitments on a project it approved in 2020.
Meanwhile, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has described Tinubu’s latest approval of financing arrangements for the Ibom Deep Sea Port as a defining moment in the state’s economic development.
The governor stated this in a statewide broadcast following the President’s visit to Akwa Ibom on Friday, during which he announced approval for the project.
However, NDC described Tinubu’s latest pledge as a repetition of an earlier campaign promise, insisting that the Federal Government had yet to demonstrate tangible commitment to translating the proposed multibillion-dollar project into reality.
In a statement yesterday, the NDC’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, accused the APC of using the proposed deep seaport as politicalbait rather than demonstrating the political will to implement the project.
The party recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, approved the implementation of the first phase of the $4.6 billion Ibom Deep Sea Port project on December 16, 2020.
According to the opposition party, the approval had identified Bollore/Power China as the preferred bidder and was expected to pave the way for construction to commence.
It argued that the renewed commitment by Tinubu was particularly troubling because he had also promised to build the port during the APC’s 2023 presidential campaign in Akwa Ibom.
At the party’s presidential campaign rally held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on January 30, 2023, Tinubu reportedly promised to establish the seaport, along with other development initiatives.
NDC quoted the President as telling supporters: “We will do mechanised farming. We will export food from Akwa Ibom. We will build your seaport.”
The opposition party, however, accused the APC of failing to fulfil that commitment more than three years after making it.
GOVERNOREno said the deep seaport would serve as a gateway to economic transformation, opening up opportunities in international trade, investment, industrial growth and employment.
He expressed confidence that the project would reposition Akwa Ibom as a major economic and maritime hub in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
Thanking Tinubu for his confidence in the state and commitment to national development, the governor assured him of the Akwa Ibom government’s full cooperation towards the successful realisation of the project.
He described the approval as a significant step in the state’s economic journey and said the government recognised the responsibility that came with the opportunity.
