By Chief (Engr.) Nkpubre Nkpubre
I was the Chairman of Oron Techcom on Ibom Deep Sea Port, an advisory Committee to Oron Nation on the Deep Sea Port, when Oron Nation was struggling with the Government of Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom State, against the relocation of Ibom Deep Sea Port, from Ibaka Bay, with established non-dredged draft of about 11meters to a previously rejected location to be built as a Dugout Port.
Following a news item on the readiness of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, to kick-start the implementation of Ibom Deep Sea Port, I have received numerous enquiries from concerned Oron people about the location of the Sea Port which became controversial during the tenure of Deacon Udom Emmanuel.
Governor Umo Enoh is a Pastor and not a Deacon. When I read his budget presentation address, I could feel his humility and sincerity. One of the reasons the world is in tumult is because humanity has ignored the core Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is “Love your Neighbour as yourself” and don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want done to you. I strongly believe that Governor Umo Eno, a Pastor, and an advocate of Jesus Christ will do what is right before God and Man.
In principle, the issue of the location of Ibom Deep Sea Port had been settled. Former Governor Udom Emmanuel, himself said the following, during a meeting with concerned Oron people. “How can I contemplate building a Dugout Port in Akwa Ibom State which is surrounded by water. Where in the world is such a Dugout Port operated” Unfortunately the Port system that Governor Udom’s implementation Committee got approval for, was a Dugout Port.
Oron people should not panic. Instead we should constantly pray to God to give our Governor courage and direction and shield him from evil ethnic and political influences. Akwa Ibom State used to be one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria but some of the ill intended policies of former Governor Udom Emmanuel have plunged the state into avoidable tumult with communities who were previously living together peacefully now at war with each other and spending their meagre resources to fund litigations against some of the policies of Udom Emmanuel.
Governor Umo Enoh, as a man of God has a huge responsibility to mitigate some of the contentious issues created by Udom Emmanuel including the issue of Ibom Deep Sea Port relocation and dugout Port concept.
However, the Bible in Jeremiah 17: 9-10, says “The heart (of man) is deceitful above all things. And desperately wicked; who can know it”. (KJV). What Oron people should do now is to continue to put the senselessness of the Ibom Deep Sea Port relocation and dugout port concept in Akwa Ibom state, on the front burner for the whole world including intended investors to see.