Ever since the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, announced plans to acquire a large parcel of land in Abuja to build a housing estate for indigenes, there have been different commentaries, majorly in disapproval from stakeholders, including, Jimi Disu, a veteran Journalist and Dr Tom Fredfish- a journalist and Chairman of the PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPA-J) in the state.
The latest commentary is from Ms. Mfon Umana, a very vocal Diasporan Akwa Ibomite, who made a passionate appeal to the governor to reconsider or stand down the proposed Housing Estate in Abuja and concentrate on the development of the state.
She explained that though the governor must have made the proposal in good faith; the act was like “taking from one purse to fill another.”
In an open letter to Governor Eno on Tuesday tagged, “Prioritizing Development in Akwa Ibom: A Call to Focus on Home,” Umana reasoned that residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Akwa Ibomites inclusive, live under a different administrative structure from the states and pay their taxes, levies, and property charges to the FCT administration, thereby contributing to the revenue base of the FCT, and not Akwa Ibom.
Umana noted that citing such a project in Akwa Ibom will multiply for generations and make the deepest and most direct impact.
She reminded the governor that Akwa Ibom has urgent needs that demand attention as many communities within the state require improved housing, better roads, healthcare facilities, schools, water supply, and job-creating investments.
In the open letter, Umana wrote, “Your Excellency, every naira deployed outside the state is a naira not invested in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, and other rural communities. Strengthening housing and infrastructure within Akwa Ibom will not only improve the quality of life but also make our state more attractive for business, tourism, and return migration.
“In effect, it would be challenging to justify the use of Akwa Ibom’s limited public funds to address housing gaps in a territory whose residents contribute financially to another authority. This approach risks creating a situation where Akwa Ibom bears the cost while another jurisdiction receives the revenue. Put simply, it may be perceived as taking from one purse to fill another.
“I humbly submit that we reconsider this proposal in light of fairness, fiscal responsibility, and long-term governance implications.”
Ms Umana said rather than acquiring land in Abuja, the governor could build houses for Akwa Ibomites residing in the FCT, utilizing alternative approaches such as partnerships with private developers or exploring existing government housing schemes saying, “the resources earmarked for land acquisition in Abuja could be better utilized in addressing pressing needs at home, for instance, constructing teachers’ quarters in all primary and secondary schools across the state would significantly enhance the quality of education and improve teacher morale.”
She added, “Furthermore, larger local government areas such as Itu, Ibiono, Oruk Anam, Uyo, Abak, Mkpat Enin, Ukanafun, and Ikono deserve at least two general hospitals each, given the vast distances between these areas and existing healthcare facilities. Many villages in the state are bereft of electricity due to the absence of transformers, while agrarian communities producing staple foods lack access roads to their villages.
“In addition, I humbly recommend that we prioritize the equipping of secondary schools, Polytechnic, colleges of education, schools of nursing, and schools of health technology with ICT equipment, to enhance the quality of education and healthcare in our state. This would have a multiplier effect on our economy and society as a whole.
“Your Excellency, history often remembers leaders not only for what they build but for where they choose to build. Channeling resources into affordable housing schemes, healthcare, education, and infrastructure within Akwa Ibom would create jobs for our local contractors, stimulate our economy, reduce internal housing deficits, and leave visible, lasting footprints across our state.”
She, however, stressed that her position was not a rejection of compassion for Akwa Ibom people in Abuja, rather, a call for the governor to prioritize development where his constitutional mandate and fiscal responsibility are clearest within the borders of Akwa Ibom State.
Focus on home development – Indigenes beg Gov Umo Eno over proposed Abuja housing estate
