The Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government, Owong Effiong Bassey Archianga, has called on the government of Akwa Ibom State, led by Pastor Umo Eno, to address the longstanding developmental imbalance that has persisted in the state for nearly twenty years by considering the interests, well-being, and feelings of the people of Ibeno.
Owong Archianga, in a press statement, lamented the neglect of Ibeno by previous Governors, “who relegated the local government area to the periphery in terms of infrastructure development and political appointments.
Ibeno hosts the highest number of International Oil Companies (IOCs), including ExxonMobil Nigeria, and contributes approximately 75% of the state’s monthly revenue.
Despite this substantial contribution, the people of Ibeno have been treated poorly, facing scorn, neglect, and degradation.”
While recounting the challenges faced by Ibeno, the monarch noted that “Since 1999, Ibeno has produced only four commissioners, two of whom were appointed by Obong Arc. Victor Attah between 1999 and 2006. Currently, Ibeno has no representation in the State Executive Council or the State House of Assembly.
From 1999 to 2006, not a single kilometer of road was constructed in Ibeno, even during a period of developmental renaissance in the state.
The people have never had access to potable water; the last attempted water project was in 1975 and remained incomplete, leaving behind decaying steel tanks as a grim reminder of the community’s plight.
The terrain of Ibeno, rich in oil deposits, complicates the availability of clean drinking water, forcing residents to rely on stagnant and polluted ponds.”
Speaking further, he said “Under the current administration of Governor Umo Eno, the government introduced a One-Project per LGA initiative.
While projects in other local government areas have progressed, the project selected by the people of Ibeno has yet to materialize.
It is particularly disheartening that the second phase of these projects has already commenced across the state while Ibeno has not even begun the first phase.”
Owong Archianga also highlighted that “The Akwa Ibom State Government, under Pastor Umo Eno, awarded a minimum of 10 kilometers of road contracts in each local government area.
To the shock and dismay of Ibeno residents, the area that contributes significantly to the state’s revenue was excluded from the road project.
The only hospital serving the entire local government is a Cottage Hospital built during the Godswill Akpabio administration. Today, it is poorly equipped and in a state of neglect.
Despite promises made by Udom’s administration, the hospital has not been renovated or furnished.
This is particularly disheartening given that Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, during his tenure from 2015 to 2023, renovated several hospitals across the state and constructed new ones, yet the plight of Ibeno remained unchanged.”
He asserted that Ibeno is an integral part of the Akwa Ibom Project and deserves better treatment from the state government, reassuring the Governor of the continued support and cooperation of the people of Ibeno in achieving greater heights for the state.
The monarch called on Governor Eno to explore ways to bring the people of Ibeno closer to the government and foster a sense of unity amongst them.
