Gov. Umo Eno commissioning the 14.28-kilometre Ikot Ubo-Odot Road,
By Anietie Akpan
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reassured the people of the state that the political decision he is taking now will effectively link the State to Abuja.
Even though the Governor was not specific on the decision but Pillar Today gathered that the decision may not be unconnected with his plans to dump the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) at the centre.
Speaking at the commissioning of the newly-rehabilitated 14.28-kilometre Ikot Ubo-Odot Road, a critical link between Nsit Ubium and Nsit Atai Local Government Areas. Governor Eno in a release from his Media Unit, assured the entire people of the State of maximum service maintaining that irrespective of the location of the political pendulum, “we remain who we are, and we will continue to pursue the ARISE Agenda in the interest of a United Akwa Ibom.
“It is in that unity that we find progress and that is what we will continue to do.”
On the newly commissioned road, Governor Eno narrated his ordeal on the reconstructed road while he resided in Eket, saying that it used to be difficult for him to get to the airport and therefore reaffirmed his determination to link all parts of Akwa Ibom State to Uyo the capital
“He said his administration relied on a contractor with a good track record because of the importance of the road. We had to reconstruct this road, there were places you had to go in as if you are going into the valley of the shadow of death.
“We thank God for this road and we thank Setraco. When we are looking for reliable contractors, we will not forget you. We thank Setraco for the good work they have done and for finishing the job within the one year timeline they were given”
The Governor acknowledged few spurs off the road that have been brought to his notice and promised to give attention to those new concerns.
He used the occasion to assure of his cordial relationship with the media, maintaining that the recent uproar over the reposting of some correspondents at Government House, was merely a routine occurrence in any establishment.
The commissioned Ikot Ubo-Odot road.
On recent reports that he sacked the Channel’s Correspondent from the government house over reports of his leaving the PDP for APC, the Governor said, “I do not have any problem with the media. It is within the purview of the Chief Press Secretary to request for change of correspondents within the Government House.
“If you have served in a post for up to 10 years, and the Chief Press Secretary decides to request for a replacement, that is not a fight, it is within the prerogative of his office.
“The Governor does not have to know. This afternoon, Channels is here and they are beaming us live. Does it look like we have problem with them?”
The Governor said he will continue to work with all media houses, and announced that he will soon flag off the commencement of construction of an ultra- modern House for the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation in Uyo.
“My job is a very serious one, ensuring there is development, my job is to make sure there is welfare, my job is to make sure there is security. My job does not include checking which correspondent is being transferred from one location to another.
Speaking earlier on behalf of both LGAs at the commissioning, the Chairman of Nsit Ubium, Mr. Alfred Charles described the Governor as “the pride of Nsit Ubium and the son of the land of fulfillment.”
“This is the shortest route to the airport and had been due for rehabilitation for decades. We thank the Governor for fulfilling this long-standing need, and we pledge the unwavering support of our people until the very end of his tenure,” he declared.
Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, provided technical insights into the project saying, what has been delivered is not merely a resurfacing but a full-scale rehabilitation.
“This road had totally collapsed. We replaced both the base course and sub-base, introduced two culverts and 7.1 kilometres of drainage to manage runoff water.
Gov. Umo Eno exchanging pleasantries with an Elder Statesman Rt. Hon. Nduese Essien during the commissioning on Monday.
“It features a two-layer design—binder and wearing courses—guaranteeing durability for up to 30 years. It was one of the first projects awarded in February 2024, with mobilization commencing in May 2024,” Prof Ibanga stated.
He commended Setraco Nigeria Ltd., the project contractor, for delivering the road to specification and praised the Governor for the foresight that birthed the initiative.
The event drew goodwill messages from a cross-section of political and community leaders. Chairmen of both the APC and PDP in Nsit Atai and Nsit Ubium, including Richard Thompson, who lauded the administration for transforming access and mobility across the region.
Members representing Nsit Ubium and Nsit Atai in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Otobong Bob and Prince Attah, described the Governor as “the captain of Team Akwa United,” emphasizing the project’s far-reaching economic implications, even extending benefits to the Eket region.
Federal lawmaker for Uyo Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mark Esset, praised the Governor as “the golden governor and man of the moment. What we are witnessing is full-scale construction. Your second term is non-negotiable. We are proud to speak confidently about you in the Green Chambers.”
Elder statesman, Rt. Hon. Nduese Essien, acknowledged initial skepticism when the road was first mentioned, admitting he considered it “political talk.”
However, he expressed surprise and delight at the quality and completion of the project, noting its strategic importance as the most direct route to the airport for his people in Eket and neighbouring local government areas.
Political leader of Uyo, Senator Effiong Bob, and other dignitaries also expressed gratitude for the Governor’s performance, reaffirming their support for his administration.
Commenting on the project, the Area Manager of Setraco, Mr Michel Issa expressed appreciation to the state government for the trust placed in his firm.
“This project is a testament to your inclusive governance and infrastructure vision. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of delivery, and this road is no exception,” he said.
