There are indeed various schools of thoughts, just like perceptions and opinions are free. But, inasmuch as people do not perceive things similarly, certain constructs could help them reason alongside the path of objectivity, truth and factual realities.
The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Sunday Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, at his Interfaith Roundtable on Building a Culture of Peace and Unity in Nigeria, held in Abuja yesterday, had opined that the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, "left behind shoes too large for others to wear in Akwa Ibom State".
He made the assertion while presenting the award of "Icon of Peace and Unity" to the former governor Godswill Akpabio. "I am saying this publicly and I am not mincing words, " former governor Akpabio and the incumbent Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, left a very big shoe behind that is still very difficult to fill," he said.
While, the Prelate may have been justified by whatever reason in lauding his awardee, his remark about the “very big shoe” allegedly left behind by the former Governor calls for deep thoughts in the minds of Akwa Ibom people. What could have prompted such comment? Did he hear anyone say that Akwa Ibom has not moved from where it was 6 years ago? Did he see school children roaming the streets of the State or being asked to pay fees? Or was he told that his so-called large-shoe wearer gave life to people of the State who have all now died since he left?
It is even more disturbing that one who is not resident in Akwa Ibom State and totally oblivious of the developmental pace, agricultural renaissance as well as the industrial revolution ongoing in the State would have the temerity to speak in such strong terms about a State which has in the last couple of days hosted the Former Presidents of his Country, the Vice President as well as the Senate President to a project commissioning spree.
It is also unfortunate that a whole Prelate of the renowned Methodist Church is not in touch with present realities in a state where he derives more than 40% of benefits from and is not informed enough to make grounded comments about Akwa Ibom State in public “without mincing words”.
On the other hand, one can be tempted to think he was reading a script prepared by his awardee’s boys whose ability to cook-up soured stories is not in doubt, or that he was being carried away by the financial gratifications expected from the “big-sized shoe” Senator and so, forgot the ethics of nationalism.
But whatever Prelate Uche meant by "left behind shoes too large for others to wear in Akwa Ibom State", if subjected to close scrutiny will reveal that he probably allowed his tongue slip or intentionally intended to disparage and spite the goodwill of the State in the minds of right-thinking members of the public. For all we know, the big-sized shoes he was referring to were those of misappropriation of funds, white elephant projects, reckless spending and insecurity.
Available records have it that Akpabio was given an approval for the release of N72billion naira for the construction of the 25km Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road which constructed only 3km before leaving. He is also said to have been given over N150 billion for the uncompleted Tropicana Mall which he still left largely uncompleted. Not to mention the release of N19.5 billion for the uncompleted Etebi-Enwang road that was originally valued at N5billion naira and the release of billions of naira meant for the construction of the 8-lane Goodluck Jonathan Boulevard on papers whereas in reality the road is 4-lane.
Should one mention the N42 billion paid for Ibom Specialty Hospital he left uncompleted or the N25 billion fully paid yet uncompleted Four Point by Sheraton? What about the uncompleted Airport project? What happened to the N18 billion terminal building? Is the International soccer pitch (stadium) worth the reported $360 million dollars it allegedly gulped?
Prelate Uche need be informed that Akpabio left the state with huge debt, uncompleted white elephant projects and over N30billion pension arrears despite huge revenue the State got in his time as one of the top ten highest recipients of the federal allocations.
His administration promised 31 industries in 31 Local Government Area but saw none, but the Udom Emmanuel’s administration has delivered the Rice Mill, Fertilizer blending plant, Metering Company, Kings Flour Mill, Jubilee Syringe Factory and other industries which have given jobs to the unemployed Akwa Ibom youths including members of Prelate Uche’s church.
Today, Akwa Ibom State is on the 7th position as those with high IGR nationwide compared to the 11th position it was during Akpabio’s regime and Small scale enterprises are thriving better than has ever happened courtesy of the push given by Governor Emmanuel to promote self-sufficiency and reduce total reliance on white-collar jobs; and these SMEs have subsequently become employers of labour.
Even more, Investors today are lining up for the state because of the trust for the name, Udom Emmanuel, and the peace and friendly ambience provided by the present government. Every Akwa Ibomite who lived in the State during Akpabio’s regime can attest to the killing, maiming and kidnapping escapades which characterized the big shoe-size Senator’s reign but today, we can boast of safety of lives and properties, so much that people can now sleep with their two eyes closed.
It is noteworthy that Governor Udom Emmanuel is not seeking his applause or his award for anything, neither is he in competition with anybody but is on a serious committed and calculated process of transformation. Because he believes that government is a continuum, all of Akpabio’s uncompleted projects have been captured by Gov. Udom, unlike Akpabio who abandoned Attah’s former projects. Unfinished roads and structures as well as the free education and health policies have all been sustained.
The religious leader should NEVER attempt to speak on issues he has no idea about or undertake research and ask pertinent questions if he must speak on them. There is no loophole of the past administration which the present has not filled and cemented. Akpabio’s “large shoes” were inglorious and should never be compared with Governor Emmanuel’s deeds of integrity.
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