From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has directed the public to report anyone involved in the illegal sale of kiosks above the government’s approved rate of N100,000 or any other sharp practices at the Christmas Village directly to him.
He also warned that his government would not tolerate any display of fetish traditional masquerades or performances at the Christmas Village this year.
Speaking while unveiling a range of newly acquired waste management equipment in Itam, Itu Local Government Area of the state for the Akwa Ibom State Waste Management Agency on Wednesday, Eno said he had credible intelligence that dubious individuals purchased shops at N100,000 and are reselling them at N300,000, far above the government’s approved rate.
“Now, I have credible intelligence that some people went and bought some shops at the Christmas Village and are now reselling them for as much as N300,000. If anybody tells you to pay N300,000, please report the person immediately.
“Anybody who is selling the shop, just take the shop, pay the person N100,000, and if he asks you for the balance, tell them to meet Umo Eno.”
He asked the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Charles Udoh, to explain and correct the situation without further delay.
“And I’m asking the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism to correct that immediately.”
On diabolical masquerades, Eno said, “When you are packaging, local government leaders and stakeholders should get involved. We want to see our foods and the decent display of our values. We will not tolerate diabolical masquerades, nor will we promote rituals during the period.”
He added that Akwa Ibom State is renowned for its spotless streets and general hygiene practices, which is why the state government is determined to maintain this reputation by investing in equipment to support waste management.
“I want to urge the Chairmen of local governments to collaborate closely with the agency in ensuring the delivery of their services,” he said.
The Governor announced that there would be an award for the cleanest local government areas, adding that the government would soon enact a law to prosecute those responsible for indiscriminate dumping of refuse and those with unkempt surroundings.
Earlier, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Management Agency, Prince Ikim, accompanied by members of the agency, described the Governor as environment-friendly and assured that services of the agency would improve.
“When we came into office, two things were handed over to us: (dump site) Uyo Village Road and a compactor that wasn’t moving,” he said.
“I want to thank the Governor for providing this equipment, as there will be no room for excuses or challenges because we will hit the ground running,” Prince Ikim said.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, the host community of the agency, Mr. Ubong Nkut, thanked Governor Eno for visiting the area with development programmes.
Mr. Nkut specifically thanked him for the flag-off of the Nnung Ukot Itam – Ikot Ekwere road projects, adding that the projects were a direct fulfilment of the Governor’s promises made during his campaign visit to the area and pledged the support of his people to the administration.
Mr. Baba Owo, National Coordinator of Clean Up Nigeria Limited, commended the life-saving initiative of Governor Eno, saying he has made a significant impact on environmental sustainability.