By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
A Non Governmental Organisation, Open Forum dor Humanity Organisation has called on Akwa Ibom Government not to consider the sale of the state Power Generating Company, Ibom Power.
It has also called for the suspension of the new tax laws until all grey arwas are addressed and a proper investigation into the alleged and Illegal Alteration/Forgery of provisions of the National Tax Law by Abdulsamad Dasuki, Daily Trust Newspaper and Others.
Convener of Open Forum, Mr Mathew Okono in a statement in Uyo yesterday said that repositioning and optimum utilisation of Ibom Power Company to ensure uninterrupted power Supply in Akwa Ibom should rather be uppermost.
Ikono regretted that despite the potential of the company to be the flagship in the power industry, mismanagement and other interests have bedevilled the company for several years.
“Recently, His Excellency, Arc Obong Victor Attah in a statement warned against the possible sale of the company to private interests.
” Prof Akpan Ekpo, the man who superintended over the establishment of the company has decried the current state of the company and called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to invite the original hands that set-up the company to help rescue and reposition it to ensure a 24/7 power supply to the State as there can be no true economic development without steady electricity supply.
“Open Forum had followed developments in the company, including the promised technical audit ordered by the Umo Eno-led administration which was sadly given to an Ibom Power Company contractor to execute in collaboration with AKICORP, the supervisory agency of IPC.
“The controversies that emanated from the exercise is a different story by itself. The State Electricity Act and power summit held in 2025 do not appear to have added value to the state government’s effort to reposition Ibom Power Company.
*Open Forum agrees with Prof Akpan Ekpo that the Government of Akwa Ibom State should have a roundtable meeting with the original minds that established the company, people like Prof Okon Ansa and others to fashion out the way forward. Summit(s) cannot do what a technical team should do at far less cost.
“The reported alleged corruption, inefficiency and other unethical occurrences in the supervision and management of the company need thorough investigations and necessary action if progress is to be made in changing the narrative of the company for the good of society, not a few individuals with personal agendas..” The Statement said.
On the reported alteration or forgery of certain provisions of the signed tax law as passed by the National Assembly, the Forum aupported analysts description of theaxrion as criminal alterations” iand called on the National Assembly that had set-up a committee to investigate the reported forgery of the tax provisions and submit its report as soon as practicable.
“We also encourage the civil society community and professional bodies to conduct their independent investigations to unravel the truth on the controversies surrounding the tax law.” It said.
