The Akwa Ibom Government has awarded a contract worth N1.5 billion for the construction of a Security Village in Eket Local Government Area.

In addition, the State Government has paid compensation worth N500 million to landlords for the acquisition of land for the Security Village is to be occupied by the council Chairman, Vice Chairman, Head of Service, Treasurer and Divisional Police Officer, among others.

Governor Godswill Akpabio disclosed this Wednesday at the Eket Council Hall during a town hall meeting and constituency briefing for Eket Federal Constituency.

He explained that the delay in the construction of the village was caused by disagreement between the land owners and the government over payment of compensation, appealing to indigenes of the area to give peace a chance to enable the contractors to complete the project on schedule.

The governor stressed that the 10-day town hall meeting in the 10 Federal Constituencies of the state is designed to pave way for interaction between the people and the state government to know the way forward by creating harmony and access to the vision of the government and for the people to table issues or ideas they want the government to consider.

According to him, “The town hall meeting is part of democratic tradition, where elders come together to discuss with the government on issues. It is also a unique opportunity of a two-way dialogue, where the people tell the truth about the good dividends of government.”

Akpabio stated that his administration since its inception has scaled through the mountains and brought development to the state. He also pointed out that his administration has appointed persons from Eket Federal Consistency into key positions at the state and national levels such the Mr. Bassey Dan Abia, who was recently appointed Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for the confidence and love he has for the constituency and the state as a whole.

The governor disclosed that almost 200 rural projects have been executed in the constituency, including the gas processing plant in Esit-Eket, with a 69km gas pipeline from Esit-Eket to Uyo which he said President Jonathan would soon visit the state to commission.

Akpabio further said that the constituency has also benefitted from the construction of security villages, free and compulsory education, free medical treatment for the elderly above 70 years, and 140km road map, which he said is meant for the good of the entire state. He thanked the constituency for supporting his administration since inception.

On the beautification of Eket town, the governor said it would commence after dualisation of major roads linking other parts of the state. He said the state government would partner with NDDC and ExxonMobil to renovate Ibeno Beach and also roads leading to Ibaka Deep Seaport which would create employment opportunities for the youths.

Chief Akpabio called on the Federal Government and NDDC to intercede in the standard of living of the Ibeno people through clean means of drinking water as drinking water in Ibeno is already contaminated by oil spill and pollution.

Speaking at the meeting, the state Special Adviser, Bureau of Political and Legislative Affairs, Emmanuel Ibiok, described the Akpabio administration as people centered in the inauguration of projects. He said the government is impacting the dream of transformation in the state, stressing that the evidence of democracy in the state is seen by all, an indication that indeed government can work.

Also speaking, the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Mr. Paul Ekpo, said the party is proud that its product is implementing its manifesto which has made Akpabio to be known for good governance in the country.

•Photo shows Gov Godswill Akpabio in a warm handshake with Barr. Dan Abia, MD, NDDC, during the town hall meeting at Eket Federal Constituency.

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