BUA petrochemical refinery to open up coastal areas, A’Ibom State govt says

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Government has welcomed the petrochemical refinery and other investment projects planned by BUA, saying it will help to advance the economy of the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Ini Ememobong who said on Thursday in Uyo. He noted that BUA petrochemical plant “is coming with a road project,” which will open up the coastal areas.

According to Ememobong, more than 20 kilometres of the road which the company has promised to build in the state, there was an urgent need to support investment in the state.

The commissioner who said the state government was eager to attract more investment to the state, advised journalists against negative reportage noting that adverse media reports could discourage investment.

“The governor is struggling to bring investment and people are writing to scare away investors, threatening already existing companies. No matter where your pendulum will swing to, you will create a counter-report.

“An investment is coming to your side, and this is when you are choosing to start a fight. As enlightened as you are, don’t help them in the fight because they want to be heard. Reasoning will come to them that investment is coming here,” he stated.

Ememobong mentioned that the Ibom Deep Seaport project in Mbo Local Government Area currently being promoted by the state government would also boost the economy of the state.

“There are people who love to read themselves on the pages of newspapers and hear themselves in the news, it gives them a sense of importance.

“They don’t care what will happen to the larger majority, they are just interested in being seen because it is posturing them for their private business,” he said.