Jonathan Hails Governor Eno As He Inaugurates Flood Control Tunnel In Akwa Ibom State

THE inauguration of projects by former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday, April 24, marked a significant turning point in the history of the road and its environs, making it an unforgettable day for locals, onlookers, and business owners along Atiku Abubakar Avenue, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State.

The reconstructed portion of Atiku Abubakar Avenue with street lights, the 1.3-kilometer, 8-meter-deep, 2x2x0.3-meter-deep underground flood control tunnel, and the reconstructed Afaha Ube Street were all opened by former President Jonathan, who praised the State's governor, Umo Eno, for his exceptional performance in less than a year in office.

The former president claimed that Governor Eno was proactive and dedicated in addressing difficulties, especially the threat of floods, even prior to the Federal Government's flood alert to states, noting that the governor had good intentions for the state.

He reiterated the governor's directive to citizens to protect government properties inside their borders, saying the three-in-one initiative demonstrated disciplined leadership and highlighted the caliber of personnel collaborating with Pastor Eno.

Governor Eno said in his remarks that he had gotten a picture of the flooded, fully impassable road from a worried native before he had examined it that fateful Sunday.

Emphasising the need, therefore, for citizens to always draw the attention of government to issues of concern over which they think government can intervene, as running the state was a collective responsibility, Pastor Eno mentioned that “the project was a product of fate and circumstance. A picture of the road on a rainy day was sent to me on a Sunday. It was completely impassable, and so we decided to intervene.”

Governor Eno urged the Akwa Ibom people to defend government projects in their areas rather than demolish them, claiming he was operating an open administration that was accepting of criticism from all parties.

He reminded the people of the state that the money used to provide the destroyed facilities belonged to everyone in the state and that their destruction was a loss suffered by all.

“When we fix roads, do not turn them into market places; don't destroy projects; don't destroy facilities. Government spent money to do them. If you see any facility destroyed, know that it is your money that is being destroyed. Own projects and keep them because we will not spend money on projects that are destroyed, but we will go on to execute others,” he said.

Governor Eno urged the public to seize the job possibilities presented by the state's ongoing projects, reaffirming his commitment to improving the lives of the populace and promising to maintain soft infrastructure moving forward.

He expressed gratitude for Dr. Jonathan's attendance and reiterated his resolve to sustain friendly ties with the federal government and the state's indigenous people at the federal level.

The project was completed in eight months, according to Prof. Eno Ibanga, Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, who gave an overview of it. The project started in September 2023 after the contract was awarded in August 2023.

He revealed that the formerly flooded Afaha Ube area had been fully restored to Ikot Ekpene Road, providing an alternate route. He also added that street lights had been installed to ensure the region's security.

The Uyo Local Government Area's Transition Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, had earlier stated that the Umo Eno administration's involvement has allowed businesses, academic institutions, and property that had either been disrupted or destroyed to resurrect.

Celebrities from all walks of life attended the event, which also included birthday gift presentations by the governor to his birthday buddies, appreciation from Beulah School students, and messages of goodwill from a variety of stakeholders, such as Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the PDP, and HRM Edidem Sylvanus Okon, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo.

Hope has been restored for the local businesses and homes with the construction and opening of the subterranean drainage system on Afaha Ube Street and Atiku Abubakar Avenue.

A local businessman named Mr. Ndianabasi Udo said, “doing this road is a very good thing for our businesses here; our businesses are moving now. We suffered a lot because of the flood before the governor fixed the road for us, but now, our customers can access the road and come and do business with us.”

Dr. Ubong Umoren, an Afaha Ube Itam local and commuter, expressed his happiness at the road's commissioning, he said, “The water at Atiku used to drive my car when taking my children to school at Federal Housing, but now, I drive freely and do not think of using alternative routes. I want to tell the governor, thank you very much. God bless you, sir.”