In Akwa Ibom, many people know the struggle of unreliable electricity.
Small businesses lose money when they have to shut early because the lights go out.
Students who want to study are forced to rely on candles, straining their eyes in the dim light.
Imagine the frustration of knowing that your state has a power plant, yet constant power remains a dream.
It’s like having a well right in front of you while thirst remains.
Power Infrastructure Committee
This is the reality for many residents. Akwa Ibom has the potential to power homes, businesses, and industries 24/7.
Yet, power outages continue, holding back growth and progress.
People are left wondering why the state, with its resources, can’t solve this problem.
To allay the worries of the people, Governor Umo Eno addressed these concerns on Tuesday during the EXCO Ministerial Briefing and End-of-Year Review in Uyo.
He declared a state of emergency in the power sector, highlighting how important consistent electricity is for the state’s development.
To tackle the problem, he announced plans for a Power Summit between January and March 2025.
The summit will focus on understanding the challenges and finding solutions.
He also plans to create a Power Infrastructure Committee to work with the Commissioner of Power and other stakeholders.
Governor Eno Expressed Frustration
Governor Eno expressed his frustration over the state’s ₦40 billion debt to Acugas, the company supplying gas to the Ibom Power Plant.
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He criticised the former Managing Director of the plant, Meyen Etukudo, who was recently sacked.
“We are owing the gas company ₦40 billion, which is 7.9 million dollars,” Eno said.
“And the MD came out to make a press statement that they have cut off power.”
He added: “If we had youths that were irrational, that company could have been burnt down by now.
“You owe someone and still shout at them? The right thing would have been to apologise”.
The governor also criticised Etukudo’s decision to leave the plant in the hands of a contractor while on leave. He found this unacceptable.
“The greatest pain,” Eno explained, “was an MD handing over everything to a contractor and putting it in writing.
“It’s like giving your car to a mechanic and saying, ‘If there’s a problem, let me know.’ Of course, that car will develop a problem because the mechanic has to make money.”
Hope For Akwa Ibom Residents
Despite these setbacks, Governor Eno remains hopeful.
“I believe Akwa Ibom can generate power 24/7,” he said.
“This is the mandate of the Commissioner of Power.”
He assured the people that solutions were on the way.
“We’re setting up a Power Infrastructure Committee.
“We’ll hold a summit to figure out the way forward. This must happen between January and March. It’s an emergency.”
Governor Eno praised the Commissioner for Power, Camillus Umoh, for his efforts in improving the Ibom Power Company.
He also shared his vision of using 24-hour electricity to boost the state’s economy.
Key stakeholders, such as Nduese Essien, Sunny Udom, Rt. Hon. Peter Linus Umoh, and King Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, applauded the governor for his transparency and dedication.
They praised him for taking clear steps to address the power crisis and for involving the public in the process.
