By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
A civil society organisation, Centre for Transparency and Accountability Network, CHRAN, has expressed shock over the continued operation of a Chinese manufacturing firm despite a directive from the state government for it to relocate to the Itam Industrial Estate.
Recall that the firm, which specialized in producing vehicle brake pads and other accessories was ordered to relocate by Governor Umo Eno last year after residents raised alarm over the health consequences of toxic emmisions from it’s factory located in a densely populated part of Uyo.
But CHRAN Director Mr Franklin Isong while hosting executive members of the Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ who paid him a courtesy call in Uyo yesterday expressed sadness that the firm has ignored the directive.
“The factory is still operating at Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, within a residential area, thereby posing both environmental and health hazards to residents in the area. CHRAN frowns at the action of the Chinese firm and urged the relevant government agencies to ensure that once a lawful directive is issued by the State Governor, it is enforced to the letter.” Isong said.
It also demanded transparency and accountability in the affairs of AK-CARES Phase 2 Programme, an intervention of the State Government, Federal Government and World Bank, so as to ensure that the people of the State are positively impacted without regard to partisan affiliation.
“CHRAN notes that apart from large billboards mounted at strategic locations across the State with photographs of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and that of the Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emem Bob, nothing much is heard of the Programme.
“CHRAN calls on the Government of Akwa Ibom State to make public the full list of the beneficiaries of the AK-CARES Phase 2 Programme with their detailed information, including their addresses, and the processes of their selection.” The Director insisted.
The organisation also expressed dismay that despite the sharp increase in monthly federal allocations to the State and the 31 local councils occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal, an overwhelming majority of the people of the state live in abject poverty and enduring untold hardship.
It however lauded the State Governor on the establishment of the Bulk Purchase Agency but added that the good intention of the Governor could be defeated if a non-partisan approach is not adopted in its implementation process.
“CHRAN also advocates for the inclusion of a representative of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the Board of the Agency to allay fears of members of the public that the agency is intended to serve only the interests of members of a particular political party in the State.
“CHRAN has also petitioned the Speaker of the State Assembly, Mr Udeme Otong, on the need for the intensification of the oversight responsibility of the House of Assembly by, as a first-line measure, embarking on an assessment tour of the 31 Local Government Areas of the State to appraise the state of development at that level.” He stated.
