Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, stated over the weekend that while the state has made significant progress in development and infrastructure over the years, its people remain largely impoverished despite the abundance of resources.
Udoedehe, a former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, shared his reflections on the 39th anniversary of the state during an interview with newsmen in Uyo.
He noted that the indicators of infrastructure and other initiatives undertaken by successive administrations, such as the Ibom International Airport, serve as a testament to the development that has been achieved thus far.
“Akwa Ibom is rich, but the people are poor. It is time for our people to awaken this consciousness so that we can harness all the wealth and resources we have for the betterment of our community,” he said.
According to him, the ultimate test of political leadership should be whether ordinary citizens feel the impact of government through employment, economic opportunities, social services, and improved living conditions.
He emphasised that his ambition to govern the state is not an attempt to impose himself on the electorate, stating that the final outcome remains beyond his personal control.
“If God wants me to become governor, listen, He will not stop it. It will happen. How it will happen, I don’t know. If He doesn’t want me to become governor, I won’t be,” Udoedehe said.
Speaking on the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, Udoedehe remarked that if the people believe the project will lift them out of poverty, then the state government should prioritise funding for it above all else.
“Don’t buy into the Ibom Deep Seaport story; they are using it for campaign purposes. Do not allow these people to deceive you.
“The issue of approval for the Ibom Deep Seaport has been finalised. It was done. If someone is telling you they want to seek approval, don’t listen to them.
“The reason they are dancing around the Ibom Deep Seaport is that they have not seen their interests properly factored in. The Ibom Deep Seaport is a doable project; it is not rocket science. It can be done.”
