By Patrick Titus, Uyo.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the construction of Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom, thus yielding to the overwhelming need of the people of the state, given its massive economic importance to the state and beyond.
President gave the approval during his official visit to the state in continuation of the All Progressuves Congress (APC) 2027 presidential campaign rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
Recall that the Ibom Deep Seaport project, which was initiated by the former Governor Victor Attah’s administration had been in the pipeline waiting for the federal government approval for the construction to commence even when other paper works including license were long secured by the state government.
President Tinubu, while announcing the federal government commitment to the project, described it as a project that will bring associated economic values and development to the state and country.
He noted that the project had suffered several setbacks with little hope of its realization, promising that the federal government under his leadership would make Ibom Deep Seaport a reality.
“We will make Ibom Deep Seaport possible, break every obstacle to the commencement of the project because of its associated economic value and development to Akwa Ibom and the country at large.”
President Tinubu described the leadership of the National Assembly under Senator Godswill Akpabio as a round peg in a round hole, and governor Umo Eno as a visionary leader who has consolidated on development roadmap of the state, urging the youth of the state to support and obey him to succeed more.
“I recognise our host governor, Pastor Umo Eno and other members of the National Assembly here present, but let me single out our very able and respected Senate President who has navigated the affairs of the parliament very effectively.
“Governor Eno is a great man of conscience, commitment and visionary. When your request for the upgrade of the airport got to my desk, I didn’t hesitate because of your track record of performance,” he posited.
He however advised the youth to equip themselves with PVCs in order to defeat tyranny and those who don’t know the value of growing economy.
The President who recalled his commitment to the defence of democracy and freedom in Nigeria during the military era urged the youths to vote massively for APC to continue the development of the country.
His words, “have you seen the progress and development?, I will depend on you to vote the APC, your weapon is your PVC, I assure you of better future, good education, skill development, jobs, there’s no reason Akwa ibom should not enjoy the benefits of its palm trees as I will give you every needed support.
“Your Governor requested for International Airport status for your Airport, I have approved, Your Ibom deepsea port is also approved.
“Don’t vote for Candidate who saw erosion menace in his state and ran away, I confronted Atlantic Ocean in Lagos as Governor, Governor Umo Eno has also tamed erosion menace in Akwa ibom,” President Tinubu stated.
He added that Nigeria needs a leader who can stand and address challenges not people who abandon thier homes and parties to another once confronted by challenges.
Tinubu described his visit as home-coming saying, “I worked here as a Mobil Auditor. We built Ibeno, developed Eket and I never knew I would be the President of Nigeria one day. We did what we needed to do.”
