By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Youths under the Progressive Youth Movement of the APC in Akwa Ibom have appealed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio to intervene in what they describe as the rigid practices of Governor Umo Eno in governing the state.
They also called for a stakeholders’ meeting across the three senatorial districts to address the alleged shortcomings of the current administration and establish a government focused on the welfare of the people.
The SOS message, endorsed by Comrade Inyang Aaron, International President, and Chief Sylvester Martins, International Secretary, was made available to newsmen in Uyo last weekend. The statement accused the governor of being “tight-fisted” and not liberal in distributing the dividends of democracy.
The youths claimed that Eno’s excessive caution and reluctance to adopt the more liberal practices of his predecessors have hindered progress and worsened the challenges faced by the masses.
“Governor Eno has completely halted the circulation of money in the state due to his frugality. In the past, Your Excellency, interministerial projects allowed funds to reach the common man. Contractors employed locals to supply water, sand, cement, rods, wood, and other building materials. But today, contracts are measured and calculated with exact precision before they are awarded, and all necessary materials are provided by Governor Eno’s close associates,” they said.
The youths also criticized the governor’s now-defunct “audio” bulk food purchase scheme, claiming it has yet to materialize. “Even when he promised to distribute food for free to the elderly and vulnerable, the social register meant to be used in distributing the food was shrouded in secrecy and remains inaccessible. No one knows who has benefited from the scheme and who has not. Eno merely raised people’s hopes only to disappoint them.”
They further alleged that Governor Eno, through the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), recently demolished shanties belonging to poor and vulnerable members of society. “These shanties offered the only means of livelihood for these people. Since then, they have remained stranded, while the areas marked for beautification remain undeveloped,” they explained.
The youths stressed that a stakeholders’ meeting is crucial to preventing further hardship for the poor masses. “We ask, with all humility, that you come to our rescue as a father, mindful of his children’s wellbeing. We’ve been beaten and battered, groaning under the weight of these sufferings. We call on you to convene a meeting of stakeholders in the APC across the three senatorial districts to discuss possible ways to save Akwa Ibom from an extension of these ills by 2027.”
“While we seek divine strength and resilience to endure this terrible administration, we cannot afford to remain idle and see it continue beyond 2027. We urge you to treat this message as an urgent SOS for a people and state you love. We pledge our full support for the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting.”
“We desire a new Akwa Ibom where policies are made in favor of the masses, and we are confident in your ability to help make this happen. We wish you wisdom and divine insight as you consider this request, and we pray for God’s protection and guidance as you continue to lead the Senate,” the statement concluded.
