By Ralph Etim
Akparawa Michael BUSH, the Labour Party governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections, has reaffirmed his commitment to the actualisation of the Ibaka Deep Seaport, warning that the controversy over its name could undermine investment prospects and deepen ethnic divisions.
Speaking on the LP Road to 2027 programme on October 30, BUSH admonished those opposing the Ibaka name to look beyond sentiment and consider the economic benefits the project could bring to the state.
“Why should the name of a location become a stumbling block to a project that promises economic opportunities for the entire state? Ibaka is part of Akwa Ibom, and the people of Oro and other communities in the hinterland deserve recognition and inclusion in the overall development of the state.
According to him, other states named their seaports after host locations without turning it into an ethnic controversy.”So why should Akwa Ibom take a different position, he said, insisting that the focus should remain on the project’s viability, its potential to create jobs, attract investors and grow the state.
In his remarks “We must stop allowing these unnecessary sentiments to stand in the way of progress. Ibaka is a recognized location on the map, he noted adding that there’s no reason to turn its name into a divisive issue. Seaport should serve Akwa Ibom and its people, regardless of where they come from, Michael BUSH stated.
He also questioned the prospects of actualizing the project under Governor Umo Eno, arguing that the governor’s political realignment to the centre had raised expectations that the seaport would receive the necessary federal support.
He expressed doubts about it’s progress calling the realignment a ruse and promised to pursue its gradual actualisation if elected Akwa Ibom’s governor.
Turning to other issues, the LP guber candidate criticized what he described as the governor’s failure to fulfil earlier promises made at various occasions to Akwa Ibom people. This comes after Governor Umo Eno recently made declarations to increase bursary for the students if he succeeds in the 2027 race.
Reacting to this development, “Why wait until another election to promise students what should already be part of a deliberate education policy? BUSH asked.
”In nearly four years, the people deserve to assess what has been delivered, not be distracted by fresh political promises,” he added, describing the pledge as shameful and a manipulation the people shouldn’t fall for as they approach the coming polls.
Meanwhile, he has also commended the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ led by Comrade Nsibiet John, and its Central Planning Committee for the upcoming debate chaired by Comrade Ndanti Ekuh, for visiting him over the weekend to formally invite him to join the state’s governorship debate scheduled for Wednesday, December 9.
Expressing confidence that their decision to visit him first carried a spiritual significance for his aspiration. Michael BUSH urged his supporters and other residents in Akwa Ibom to demonstrate their solidarity as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
