Eno’s 900km road claim fuels backlash as 2027 nears

Etim Ekpimah

Governor Umo Eno’s claim during Tuesday’s budget presentation that his administration has constructed 900 kilometres of roads has drawn widespread criticism, with many residents disputing the accuracy of the figure.

The governor’s claim has ignited debate online and offline, as citizens question how his one-and-a-half-year administration could have delivered “hundreds of kilometres” of roads.

A fact-check by The Southern Examiner shows that Eno had, in early October, announced plans to expand the state’s road network from 772 kilometres to 1,000 kilometres.

Speaking at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, he said his administration was constructing “more than 900 kilometres” of roads—both new and inherited—with a long-term target of reaching 1,000 kilometres. The government has repeatedly stressed its focus on continuity, including the completion of over 54 inherited road projects across the three senatorial districts.

As of October 2024, the administration reported spending N208.16 billion on inherited roads and related infrastructure.

Major projects listed as completed or ongoing include the 15.13km Ikot Esu–Otomo–Azumini Road in Ika LGA; the 10.4km Idoro–Ukpom Abak Road linking Uyo and Abak; the 23.25km Ikot Ekaideh–Ikot Okoro–Ikot Ibritam roads in Oruk Anam; the 11.71km Abiakpo Ikot Otu–Atan Ibong–Usaka Annang Road; the 8.6km Ediene Abak–Ikot Ekan Road; and the 7.86km Ring Road III dual carriageway from Uyo through Ibiono Ibom to Itak.

These projects fall under Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritises rural development.

Criticism over figures

Despite the government’s explanations, critics insist the numbers do not add up. Social commentator Unwana Assam dismissed the governor’s claim as “economical with the truth,” arguing that no single road completed under Eno matches the length of major routes in the state.

“What is the longest stretch of road Eno has flagged off and completed since he assumed office?” Assam queried. He pointed to familiar distances: Ndung Udoe Roundabout in Ibesikpo Asutan to Champion Breweries on Aka Road in Uyo (about 16km) and Eket to Etinan Roundabout (25.4km), urging citizens to “visualise what a road distance truly looks like.”

Assam also noted that “900 kilometres is roughly the distance from Akwa Ibom to Ghana,” questioning how such mileage could have been attained within such a short period.

While the government maintains that the figure represents the cumulative kilometres of all new and inherited projects under construction, critics say the governor must either clearly break down the numbers or apologise for “misleading the public.”

Political undercurrents ahead of 2027

The controversy comes as Eno intensifies political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. He has urged residents to return to their wards to complete APC membership registration and participate in the ongoing INEC voter registration exercise.

Despite the criticism, political observers say Eno remains on a solid path toward re-election. The Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District—home to Senate President Godswill Akpabio – is reportedly inclined to support Eno rather than back another Ibibio aspirant who could disrupt the Annang quest for the governorship in 2031.

Under the state’s informal zoning arrangement, power is expected to shift to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in 2031 after Eno completes eight years, before moving to Eket Senatorial District in 2039.

Critics said that since assuming office as a governor, Eno has been unable to point to any concrete achievements he has initiated in Oro.

Their concerns intensified after a bridge in Unyenge, originally constructed by Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited and later reinforced by Universal Energy Resources Limited (now Savannah Energy PLC) collapsed under excessive load. The structure was designed to carry no more than 25 to 30 tons, but reports indicate that vehicles transporting more than 125 tons routinely crossed it, weakening the bridge until it eventually gave way.

Following the collapse on 15 October 2025, the governor initially stated that the bridge would be repaired within two days, subject to compensation payments. He was later quoted as saying that work on the Unyenge Atlantic Ocean Road would commence before the bridge was constructed.

He added that what would be made available was remedial work to enable access to both sides of the bridge. The proposed road, estimated at 13 to 14 kilometres to Orukim or Afi Uda, raised fresh concerns among residents who argued that budgets should prioritise essential infrastructure rather than political considerations.

Commenting on what they described as Eno’s attempt to maintain favour with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, some stakeholders noted that no Oro son or daughter has ever served as governor since the creation of Akwa Ibom State.

A source who spoke with our correspondent said that the existing rotational arrangement has failed Oro. He argued that Akwa Ibom is made up of three blocs—Ibibio, Annang, and Oro, and while Ibibio and Annang have produced governors, Oro has not.

According to him, despite the painful exclusion of Oro communities from key projects, “the governor in 2031 must be an Oron son or nothing.”

Eno has also continued to align himself with President Bola Tinubu’s government, praising the president for “bold reforms stabilising the economy” and urging Akwa Ibom residents to stay committed to the APC as the next election cycle approaches.