Akwa Ibom Interest Movement (AIM), an apolitical advocacy group that is economic and development oriented, has urged the Federal Government through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to make public names of contractors and handlers of the alleged 321 abandoned projects in the state.
The group, through a statement signed by its Convener, Barrister Sammy Etuk, described the alleged 321 as corrupt, assault and deprivation of dividends from Akwa Ibom commonwealth and called for immediate probe and prosecution of all contractors and handlers of the said projects.
“We want to thank the Management of NDDC for the ‘Emergency Repairs and Intervention Scheme’ in the state. For working hand-in-hand with the state government shows he has the interest of Akwa Ibom people at heart. Oher politicians should borrow a lift from Nsima Ekere. We also thank the Udom Emmanuel-led government through the Ministry of Works for making public through concrete evidence over 321 NDDC projects abandoned by contractors. To abandon after receiving a reasonable sum of its cost is illegal. That the said projects were abandoned by indigenes of the state who are supposed to be leaders and stakeholders in the progress and development of Akwa Ibom is not only an assault on the sanctity of our hard earned democracy and commonwealth but an injurious blow on the integrity of the people of Akwa Ibom.”
AIM urged the federal government to use its anti-corruption agencies and see to it that no stone is left turn in probing and prosecuting all involved in the corrupt practices irrespective of the political standing, if an example must be made.
“We are saying that the interest of Akwa Ibom people supersedes the interest of every individual or contractor. And for this administration, we shall hold the President and the State Governor responsible for its actions and inactions on behalf of the Akwa Ibom people. We are not out to fight the government. We are partners in development and watchdog of the masses. We will work hand-in-hand for sustainable growth and development of Akwa Ibom and its people. But government must remain resolute and focus in their responsibility. The day the government loses focus, we will not hesitate to communicate to the government that the covenant it entered with people of the state is being breeched. This is why we are calling for immediate probe and prosecution of every contractor and handlers of the over 321 NDDC abandoned project.”
The group further urged the federal government, after thorough prosecutions, to re-award the contracts for the benefit and progress of Akwa Ibom.
