Gov Emmanuel Decries Slow Pace Of National Infrastructure Rehab Expenses

By Usiere Akpan 

UYO 

Gov Udom Emmanuel has decried the Federal Government delayance to pay back funds expended in the rehabilitation of national infrastructure in the state.

 The governor made the remarks during a session of interactions across radio stations tagged, “The Governor Speaks edition 10,” which was conducted at Government House Uyo, Saturday.

 Emmanuel said it was worrisome that “From 2018, there has not been any further refund from the Federal Government to strengthen the financial coffers of the state, adding that the continuous silence of the Federal Government was not to the social advancement of the state.

 He mentioned that from the refunds gotten since 2018, “there is no local government area in our state that we’ve not registered our signature through major projects,” explaining that his administration has succeeded in making Akwa Ibom to stand tall in the comity of states in the country.

 Emmanuel stated that his administration has gone very far with the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) unit of the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA), assuring that on completion of and subsequent inauguration of the project, “our MRO will be a beautiful bride.”

 The state chief executive officer said four aircrafts maintenance companies have shown interest to utilise the facilities in commencing aircraft maintenance services for public and private aircraft operators, adding, “This’ll be the best MRO in this side of the continent.”

 He maintained that from the goodwill and trust of Akwa Ibom leadership, “We’re establishing a strong partnership for aviation development,” particularly in securing 10 air bus planes to boost the fleets and expand service routes in the country, remarking, “We’re blessed in Akwa Ibom to have been one of such states. We should learn to appreciate what we have as a state.”

 Emmanuel hinted that meaningful progress has been seen in the response of corporate tenants willing to use the facilities of the 21-storey building inaugurated recently,  explaining, “As of today, we have had four tenants in that building. That building is an asset to the state, which will bring a whole lot of better economic benefits away from the rent generated from there.”

Emmanuel maintained that “God has been benevolent to us in Akwa Ibom. The least we can do is build a temple for him,” emphasizing, “As a state named after God, it is important we build an altar for God our Father.”