Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has vowed to complete projects inherited from previous administrations, declaring that political differences would not determine which public projects receive attention.
Eno made the declaration on Thursday while commissioning the 6.475-kilometre Amanyam Community Road Network in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
The road project, which includes associated infrastructure works, is expected to improve connectivity within Amanyam community and neighbouring areas.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the governor said public projects should not be abandoned simply because they were initiated by previous administrations.
“We will continue to finish projects that others started,” Eno said.
He stressed that governments should not compete over who initiated or completed a project, since the ultimate beneficiaries were the people.
According to him, “there is no one government that can finish projects on your departure,” making continuity critical to ensuring that communities derive the full benefits of government investments.
Eno said he would not take credit for projects initiated by previous administrations, explaining that his administration would acknowledge those who started them while ensuring their completion.
“I don’t take credit for these things. We make sure we mention that this project was started by this administration, and we have just used the finisher’s anointing to finish it,” he said.
The governor cited the Amanyam road as an example of his administration’s approach to development, recalling that he was informed that the road led towards the residence of Chief Sunny Ibout, a former political associate who later became an opposition figure.
He said the political affiliation of anyone living along the road should not determine whether the community receives infrastructure.
“I don’t play that kind of politics. What is good is good, and what is not good is not good,” Eno declared.
He added: “When you are called to serve, let us serve without coloration. Serve the people.”
The governor also announced plans to return to Ikot Ekpene to commission other projects and perform the sod-turning ceremony for the proposed Ikot Ekpene International Market.
According to him, the market would strengthen commercial activities and unlock the economic potential of Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom and the wider region.
Eno commended the people of Ikot Ekpene, particularly the youths, for supporting contractors and contributing to the successful execution of the road project.
He also thanked the Annang people for their continued support for his administration.
Earlier, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, who spoke on behalf of stakeholders, commended the governor for the infrastructure projects being executed in Ikot Ekpene.
He recalled that he once had to park his vehicle about a kilometre away and walk to Community Secondary School, Amanyam, where he taught in 1987.
Ibok Essien said Eno’s repeated visits to Ikot Ekpene for project commissioning, as well as the planned international market, demonstrated the administration’s commitment to the area.
He said the people of Ikot Ekpene would reciprocate the gesture with overwhelming electoral support.
