Gov Akpabio orders demolition of illegal structures on Eket-Ibeno road

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has directed the Ministry of Works to commence the demolition of all illegal structures on Eket-Ibeno Road, to facilitate easy reconstruction and dualization. 

Chief Akpabio gave the directive on Monday at Ulok Ulok Hall, Upenekang, during a civic reception organized in his honour by the people of Ibeno local government, after he inaugurated some projects executed in the area, through the State Inter-ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee. 

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emem-Abasi  

Bassey, the Governor said pulling down the illegal structures became necessary to serve as a deterrent to those who are building or planning to erect structures on the road, which the government had  already flagged-off for reconstruction. 

Emphasising government’s commitment to speedy completion of the road project, he said it was an act of sabotage for people to begin to erect structures that could impede the pace of work. 

It could be recalled that Governor Akpabio approved the dualization of the Eket-Ibeno Road at a contract sum of N24.9bn to a reputable Chinese firm, CCECC, which upon completion, will have four bridges.

 Acknowledging the contributions of Ibeno local government area to the socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, the Governor said “When the history of Akwa Ibom is written, Ibeno will occupy a pride of place. The Akwa Ibom Vision started in Ibeno, with Christianity and civilization, which later spread to other parts of the State.” 

Chief Akpabio, who described Ibeno as an area endowed with rich cultural heritage, also “directed the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism to ensure that tourism sites in Ibeno are earmarked for development.

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He stated that his present administration “is building a generation of leaders, who can stand tall and shoulder high with other groups in any part of this country,” stressing that the provision of free medical treatment for children as well as the free and compulsory education with conducive environment for teaching and learning were geared towards achieving that objective. 

While thanking the people for the rousing reception accorded him and his entourage, Governor Akpabio also sued for peace, unity and progress and advised them to ensure that the projects provided for them were adequately protected. 

The Executive Chairman of Ibeno local government council, Rt. Hon. Henry Ekpe Nko, while welcoming the Governor, said the flagging-off of the construction of Eket-Ibeno Road, has furthered emboldened the people’s confidence in governance, recalling that “the deplorable state of the road gave us serious cause of concern.” 

On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno, Obong Effiong Achianga, who thanked Governor Akpabio for extending his Uncommon Transformation programme to the area and pledged the people’s continued cooperation to his administration. 

The projects inaugurated by the Governor were a two-bedroom Staff Quarters at Government School, Big Town and a two-classroom block; and a one-classroom/Office block both at QIC Central School, Upenekang.