WHAT ASUAKAK UMOH HAS FAILED TO DO FOR IBIONO IBOM PEOPLE IN 100 DAYS
By R. P. Etukudo
For the past two weeks and counting, the media space in Akwa Ibom State has been awash with news reports on the achievements of Rt. Hon. Asuakak Umoh, the Executive Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. So far, his One Hundred Days achievements have enjoyed the patronage of the media community and the excellence appraisals of many individuals and groups who openly showered him with praises for a job well done, but while they are overwhelmed by what he has done, no one seems to notice that he has failed to do what some people were expecting of him
Before we go down the lane of what he has failed to do, it is expedient to first x-ray what he has done since he took over the helm of affairs as the Chief Accounting and Chief Security Officer of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area on the 7th of October, 2024.
Evidently, the administration of Rt. Hon. Asuakak Umoh has witnessed laudable milestones tactically executed in line with his Eti-ini-Ukara campaign agenda, which includes Security, Unity and Human Development, Infrastructure, Education and Skill Development, Health and Agriculture.
A random analysis of his achievements vis-à-vis his campaign pillar shows that his administration, in a space of one hundred days, has touched critical developmental sectors.
In Agriculture, the administration, in collaboration with the Rice Farmers Association, Ibiono Ibom Chapter, has successfully cultivated five hectares of rice at Ikot Esen Village, which, according to the Chairman, will raise the Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) of the Local Government Area in millions in a few months to come.
In what could be adjudged as the high point of the One Hundred Days achievement, Umoh has built an Ultra Morden Traditional Rulers Office Complex from the foundation to the finishing and also adorned the complex offices with state-of-the-art furniture to compliment the well-landscaped ambience. The TRC Complex is annexed with a newly built bar and restaurant for the relaxation of the Royal fathers and visitors alike who may stop by to get refreshed.
The Council Chairman, in what has been classified by many as a “jinx-breaking Achievement” as far as Local Government Administration is concerned, has constructed a 0.45 kilometres TRC access road, a feat that has eluded Local Government Administration in Akwa Ibom State for decades. These three enviable projects will be commissioned by the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno (PhD) on the 29th of January, 2024
Still, on infrastructure, Umoh’s administration has facilitated the re-electrification and re-connection of fifteen villages, Udioho Ntan, Usuk Ntan Ekere, Ikot Idem, Obot Ukana, Ikot Obio Edet, Ikot Andia Ndorobot, Anan, Ikot Mkpo, Okubom, Use Ikot Odiong, Atan Aya, Nkwa Ibiono, Ikot Ekong, Ikot Inyang Ekpe and Ikot Ekwong that have not had electricity for more than 5 years. Not forgetting the repairs of the failed portion of Itak – Oko Ita road and the ongoing renovation of Ibiono Ibom Legislative Chambers.
Strengthening the education sector in Ibiono Ibom, the chairman donated School uniforms and sandals to five Hundred and Fifty pupils in public primary schools in the area and also offered full university scholarships to three indigent students from the area.
As an administration that is interested in the well-being of the people, Umoh has engaged more than 200 youths in various committees on a monthly allowance of not less than thirty thousand Naira, supported Military Widows’ Multi-purpose Cooperative Society with the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira and also donated not less than six hundred bags of 25kg rice to the people of Ibiono Ibom during the yuletide period. He has also reticulated water from the Council Secretariat to the host community and instituted a weekly Environmental Sanitation to keep Ibiono Ibom clean.
However, notwithstanding the litany of his achievements as mentioned above, the Chairman has consistently failed in one area that many critics of his emergence as the Executive Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area thought would characterize the life-span of his administration, and it seems there is no hope in sight. In one hundred days, Rt. Hon.Asuakak Umoh has failed to disappoint the people of Ibiono Ibom. Instead, he has gained commendations from even his diehard critics and has built bridges of unity, peace and trust through his actions, deeds and words. He has shown capacity that clearly points towards the direction of a greater and promising Ibiono Ibom. If his achievements in one hundred days in Office are to be used as a yardstick to forecast the future, then it is safe to say that Asuakak Umoh is a Better Deal for Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
