Following the defection rumours surrounding Emmanuel Udom, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike has performed the groundbreaking of Akwa Ibom Teaching Hospital at Awa in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, also pledging N600 million to the project.
Wike’s donation comes amidst rumours that Udom was planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Ben Ayade, the Cross River governor had last week left the Peoples Democratic Party, after accusing Wike of meddling in the affairs of the state chapter of the party.
Wike, during the flag of also, said that those propagating the conspiracy theory that the Niger Delta is unsafe are the real enemies of the oil-rich region.
He equally advised oil and gas companies operating in the Niger Delta region to always be mindful to implement the local content policy in order to foster a cordial relationship with their host communities.
He also performed the groundbreaking of Giwa FZE gas and fertilizer project at Okoroinyong village, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of the state.
He noted that if Akwa Ibom State is not safe there is no way any prospective investor will conceive the idea of building a gas and fertilizer plant in the State.
“If Akwa Ibom State is not safe will investors come here? Investors are here because the governor has provided an enabling environment that gives confidence to the investors. If a place is not secure for people to invest their money, we won’t be here.
“Don’t mind the enemies of the people who will always say that Niger Delta is not safe. If it is not safe can anyone come and invest money here?”
He lauded the management of Giwa Gas FZE for the decision to invest in Akwa-Ibom and by extension, the Niger Delta.
Similarly, Governor Wike commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for attracting investors to the state. He expressed optimism that the gas and fertilizer project will not only transform the economy of Akwa Ibom State but will create employment opportunities for the people.
The governor urged the company and other investors doing business in the State to always comply with the local content law in order to ensure a cordial relationship with their host communities.
Earlier, Governor Udom Emmanuel explained that when he was campaigning for reelection in 2019, he promised to give a lot of attention to the riverine areas of the State
The Akwa Ibom State governor said the entire area where gas and fertilizer project is located will be transformed into an industrial hub, while swampy area will be used to plant coconut that will feed a planned coconut refinery.
He urged the youths of the State to develop their capacity in order to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that the industrial hub will offer.
Chairman of Sterling Energy and Exploration Production Limited, Tony Chukwueke said the gas and fertilizer project will be the second largest in the country when completed.
Governor Wike also performed the groundbreaking of Akwa Ibom Teaching Hospital at Awa in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and pledged N600 million to the project.
He also Commissioned a 10.9-kilometre Nkana-Awa road with a 2.3-kilometre spur in Awa.
