Udoedehe: Selfish interests delaying Ibom Deep Seaport
The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State for the 2027 election, Senator John James Udoedehe, has accused the state government of deliberately delaying the Ibom Deep Seaport project for selfish reasons.
Udoedehe alleged that the government was stalling the project because its long-term financial interests had not been adequately factored into the seaport plan.
*Senator John James Udoedehe, African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State.
Ini Billie, Uyo
The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State for the 2027 election, Senator John James Udoedehe, has accused the state government of deliberately delaying the Ibom Deep Seaport project for selfish reasons.
Udoedehe alleged that the government was stalling the project because its long-term financial interests had not been adequately factored into the seaport plan.
Speaking during an interview in Uyo at the weekend, the former minister said the project had already secured the necessary approval during the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
“Do not allow these people to lie to you again. During the tenure of Governor Udom Emmanuel, if you listened to him very well, he said he was looking for investors.
“The issue of approval was done and sealed. I was the Chairman, South Finance Committee of the Nigerian Ports Authority. It was a done deal; approval was given.
“If the Akwa Ibom people believe this is what will take them out of poverty, stop every other thing and put the money there. The money we have in this state, and what we project to have, we can take a loan to do anything.
“Why they are dancing around Ibom Deep Seaport is that they have not seen their interests factored in properly. Don’t listen to them. Their interest in how to make money for life has not been factored in properly.
“It is a doable thing. It is not rocket science; it can be done.”
Udoedehe said the project had its roots in the administration of former Governor Victor Attah, adding that he had contributed to its development as a member of the NPA board.
“We have the best seaport in the Gulf of Guinea. Obong Attah started it. I don’t claim credit; I have made my contribution as a member of the board. Don’t buy that story; they want to use it for campaign,” he said.
He urged the state government to focus on building the seaport rather than dwelling on disagreements over its name.
“Call the seaport any name, but build the seaport. If what would give you peace is to name the seaport Ibaka, name it Ibaka to integrate people and give them that sense of belonging. If it is Oron, name it Oron. Whatever you call it, build the seaport.
“Successive governments can decide to change the name after they build it. It is a matter of a resolution by the State House of Assembly to change the name. So, what will happen? Why are you giving that kind of excuse? Akwa Ibom people are too educated to be fooled,” he said.
The former minister also said Akwa Ibom was wealthy but its people remained poor, arguing that successive governments had failed to do enough to lift residents out of poverty despite the revenue accruing to the state annually.
He further criticised Governor Umo Eno for, according to him, failing to fully utilise the expertise of members of his cabinet.
Udoedehe said many commissioners were merely implementing the governor’s directives instead of contributing their own ideas to the development of the state.
“If you look at this cabinet, there are a lot of educated people there. I know a lot of sound people in this government. Have they used them optimally? Have they been able to exercise who they are?” he asked.
Udoedehe also questioned the sustainability of some government projects, arguing that development programmes should be designed to outlive individual administrations.
He cited industries established under the immediate past administration of Udom Emmanuel, claiming that many were no longer functional because they had been established without adequate plans for long-term sustainability.
