Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The long-delayed Ibom Deep Seaport project is set to receive fresh momentum as a result of Governor Umo Eno’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, according to Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah.
Speaking on Arise Akwa Ibom, a live radio programme in Uyo, Umanah described the Governor’s support for federal leadership as a “calculated move to unlock key national collaborations, especially those with the potential to transform the state’s economy.”
The Commissioner described the Governor’s position as “a strategic act of enlightened state interest,” adding that the decision was already delivering measurable dividends across key development sectors.
He said: “The Governor’s support for President Tinubu and Senator Akpabio is a well-considered move rooted in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State. These leaders have shown clear goodwill toward our state and have publicly acknowledged the Governor’s exceptional performance. This is leadership with foresight.”
He noted that one of the most strategic benefits of this federal alignment was the fast-tracking of the long-delayed Ibom Deep Seaport, a multi-billion-naira infrastructure expected to position Akwa Ibom as a key logistics and maritime hub in West Africa.
Umanah explained that the seaport, alongside ecological remediation and other federal interventions, had been stalled due to lack of coordinated political will, which the current administration is now addressing through intentional partnership.
He pointed out that President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senate President Akpabio have publicly commended Governor Eno’s achievements, which are drawing national attention.
He emphasized the Governor’s methodical approach to governance, anchored on the ARISE Agenda, a policy blueprint that has driven rural infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education initiatives since the start of the administration.
“From May 29, 2023, the Governor hit the ground running. He is not just making promises, he is delivering on them.
“Across the state, we see road construction projects, both inherited and new ones being executed. We are witnessing the establishment of well-equipped model schools and modern health centres in rural and urban communities alike, along with structured citizen empowerment initiatives that are transforming lives at the grassroots,” he stated.
Umanah also highlighted the administration’s push for participatory governance through the newly introduced Federal Constituency Town Square Meetings, designed to incorporate citizens’ input into the 2026 budget process.
“This is a Governor who listens. His model is inclusive, scientific, and rooted in results. That’s why we’ve seen superlative accomplishments in less than two years,” he said.
On political criticisms surrounding the Governor’s collaboration with federal leaders from opposing political parties, Umanah urged Akwa Ibom people to look beyond partisanship and focus on long-term socioeconomic benefits.
“Governor Umo Eno is leading Akwa Ibom State, not a political party. His decisions are based on what will move the state forward. That is what matters,” he stressed.
He called on citizens to remain united behind the Governor’s vision for sustainable development and prosperity, noting that every local government area in the state is currently experiencing tangible progress.
