The Akwa Ibom State Government has defended its decision to construct an 18-floor apartment building, Ibom Towers, on Aboyade Cole Street, Lagos, after criticisms from an online publication.

The publication questioned the rationale of the proposed building, suggesting the funds should be used to provide food for the people.

In response, the government issued a statement saying the project’s objectives and addressing the issues raised.

Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in the statement,

said the Eno-led administration aims to increase the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) without imposing additional taxes on the people.

According to him, the 18-storey Ibom Towers will feature one and two-bedroom flats and business suites intended for high-income earners, with proceeds directed to the state treasury.

He said the state plans to convert its liaison office in Abuja into a three-star hotel to further boost income.

Part of the statement read: “While the media is free to do its job as the interrogator of government’s activities, we hope some of their interrogations would be products of reason, rationality and deep intellectual capital put into analyzing government’s actions, rather than playing to the gallery and the unfortunate celebration of a herd mentality.

“Governor Umo Eno came to serve, to uplift, to challenge and galvanize our people to dream more, become more and Arise further and shine. He remains irrevocably committed to that vision, and nothing will distract him.

“The 18-storey proposed Ibom Towers and the three-star hotel in Abuja are great investments that would guarantee solid income to the state government.

“Like Ibom Air, which was attacked and described as a “ white elephant” project by the same herd of “nattering nabobs of negativism” apologies to the late United States one-time Vice President, Spirow Agnew, the proposed Ibom Towers and the three-star hotel in Abuja, will stand out as enchanting symbols of the continuous Rise and ascendancy of the Akwa Ibom identity when completed. Governor Umo Eno should be celebrated rather than pilloried,” he added. (Daily Trust)