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POLITICS OF SUCCESSION SHOULD NOT DIVIDE US – GOVERNOR EMMANUEL…MPM GETS NEW NATIONAL EXCO

Ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial elections in the State, Governor Udom Emmanuel has advocated for a peaceful transition of government stating that politics of succession should not divide Akwa Ibom State.

He has called on Akwa Ibom people to reject any aspirant who fails to embrace peace once elections season sets in.

Governor Emmanuel stated these on Friday, during the inauguration of the National Executive Committee and Grand Unveiling of Maintain Peace Movement (MPM) at the Nest of Champions, Uyo.

The governor who described MPM as a non-partisan, non- religious movement emphasized on the need to sustain peace which has attracted investors and developments into the state, adding that the essence of politicking is to bring development and progress to the people.

“Without peace there can’t be development, the presence of peace is the absence of conflict, the presence of conflict is the absence of peace, politics will never divide us, political parties will never divide us, we will never be divide because of religion.

“I stand in the gap as the leader in the state to declare peace in the 31 Local Government Areas in the State.

“Today I don’t want to talk about development it’s not a day for score card it is to make a pronouncement of peace in the land that as we move into the year 2022, the political situation will gather momentum, anybody who is not preaching peace don’t open your door for him.

“We are standing here today to launch MPM so that in our move towards transition there shall be peace and God will give us peace”, he stated.

The Chief Executive of the state explained that the recent agreement signed by Ibom Air and Airbus for the purchase of additional 10 aircrafts into the state is targeted at opening the three major gateways that will drive development, maintaining that when the private sector is encouraged, there will be job creation and employment in the state.

“Let me explain this, there are three major gateways to development, air, land and water and the State is pursuing the three at the same time, and the only way people can come to develop your state is when they have access to your state.

“Without access nobody can come, without access there can’t be development, government alone cannot provide that employment you want, but government can provide an enabling environment for investors to invest”, he explained.

The Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor and Chairman on the occasion, Mr. Moses Ekpo, in his speech, described the gathering as non-discriminatory, as it every peace loving person was welcomed.

In his tribute to Governor Emmanuel as the progenitor of the peace movement, Mr. Moses Ekpo said the peace enjoyed in the state in the past six years was unprecedented and evident that the leader of the state is an embodiment of peace.

He urged the newly inaugurated executives of the MPM to ensure a peaceful transition in the governance of the state while praying that whoever emerges as the successor of the incumbent governor will be a man of peace with the interest of the state at heart.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman/National Coordinator, Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for giving him opportunity to serve, describing him as a builder who has united the party giving all the sense of belonging.

Enoidem enjoined members of the party to take advantage of the ongoing PDP membership registration exercise and register with a proof of party membership card which will serve as an asset to them at the polls.

The newly inaugurated national executives of MPM include Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem as chairman, Hon Aniekan Bassey as
Deputy National Chairman, Prince Enobong Uwah as Secretary, Sir Monday Uko as Coordinator and 32 others.

Media Unit
Govt House,Uyo
Akwa Ibom State
19/11/21

Photo Speak!

The Chairman of Platinum Conglomerates, and the leading aspirant for the Oruk Anam State Constituency seat come 2023, Hon. Nsidibe Essien had a time with the cross section of Ikot Akpan Eda and Mbon Ebre youths as they dine and wine together, discussing the way forward ahead of the 2023 State House of Assembly matters which is rightly the turn of Ibesit-Ekparakwa.

The Youth’s welcome the leading aspirant, and received him with great joy as they declare their support to stand by him towards his State House of Assembly ambition come 2023.

In their respective response, they express satisfaction towards Hon. Nsidibe Essien for being generous and kind enough to find time to sit with them like this, and pledges to support him come 2023 till he is seen seated on the throne of Oruk Anam State House of Assembly seat.

Hon. Nsidibe Essien thank the youth for declaring their support and trusting in him, assuring them of an effective and productive representation come 2023 and beyond, he promise to make them proud as their MP.

“We have a long way to go, and that way is to fix and repair the broken Oruk Anam of our dream. We will do more than we have dreamt, and shine the light for others to see through it so that our Oruk Anam will be revive again”

“A typical Oruk son or daughter is known for something very great and unique, and that’s peace and unity, which what bind us together for a progressive and developed Community”

“Therefore, as we look forward towards making 2023 a reality dream for us, let’s continue to unite together in love and peace for the victory to come through, as this race is a peaceful one, not with violence and hatred. we won’t be divided if we continue maintained peaceful culture our forefathers use to be known which is peace, Godly, brotherly love and unity, and by so doing, our right and mandate can not, and will never be taken away from us”

Honorable Nsidibe Essien speaking while having a time with the youth.

See Photos👇

GOV EMMANUEL’S AIDE LAUDS ‘NEW BREED’ ON CAPACITY DEV PROGRAMMES

The vision of The New Breed, a Socio-political organization, to empower and enhance the capacity of 10,000 youths in various skills of endeavour, has been described as a practical step towards supporting Governor Udom Emmanuel’s capacity enhancement initiatives.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Essien Ndueso, who toured The New Breed training facility in Uyo, commended the leadership of the Non Governmental Organization (NGO) for keying into the entrepreneurship and industrial revolution of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

The Governor’s aide was delighted with the skill acquisition training ongoing at their office premises at Bennett Bassey street.

“I’m delighted to see what the New Breed is doing to add to the development and industrialization capacity of the Governor.

“It’s not about politics but the ability to add meaning to the society. I hope other well to do persons in the society are going to take a cue from the sacrifices of the promoters of The New Breed.

“I have gone round from the make over, to the catering, shoe making all is towards enhancing human capacity development.

“This is purely an NGO initiative aimed at appreciating the ambiance of peace and Should be an eye opener to others to also contribute to the society, I wish that it would be sustained”, he added.

The skills include Catering, Makeover, Leather works, Fashion designing, audio/visual productions, Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Photography/Videography.

Also speaking, The Head of Media and Publicity, Cristo Ekpoh explained that the aim of the group is to deliver free entrepreneurship training in line with the mission of the Governor to promote skill based education and entrepreneurship, with the consciousness of contribution it makes to sustainable development.

He said that over 300 persons have been trained so far and more till the target is actualized, adding that the training is devoid of partisanship and political affiliations.

Some of the beneficiaries took turns to thank the organization for the opportunity and privilege given to them to learn their various skills of interest.

So far, the trainees have been able to produce various crafts, clothes, shoes and confectioneries.

DEFECTION SPECULATION: INTEGRITY GROUP CARPETS ITA ENANG FOR CHILDISH RANT AGAINST GOV EMMANUEL

A key interest support group in Akwa Ibom State says the “infantile and logically obtuse outburst by Senator Ita Enang,” in a radio interview last weekend should be dismissed as a mere rant of an attention seeker.

The group, Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance in a statement in Uyo endorsed by its convener, Mr Faith Mboho, described the president’s aide as a man known to suffer from seemingly incurable disease of the diarrhoea of the mouth.

This, they maintain, often leads Senator Enang to childishly peddle falsehood, such as the speculation that Governor Udom Emmanuel was defecting to APC simply because he brought Vice President Osinbajo and Senate President Ahmad Lawan to inaugurate some of his projects.

“Let us state here unequivocally, that Governor Udom Emmanuel, WILL NEVER JOIN THE APC, he has never entertained such thoughts and will never even deign such, a nanosecond consideration.”

They described Governor Emmanuel as “a major Stakeholder of the Peoples Democratic Party, a loyal party man and a key member in the vanguard to position the PDP as the alternative to what has befallen Nigeria in the last six plus years of Ita Enang’s party rule.”

“The group insisted that Governor Emmanuel’s stellar performance, accounts for the desperate attempt to a move to APC.

“We understand the desire and desperation for Ita Enang’s party to have a Five Star Governor, in the mould of Governor Emmanuel, whose performance has drawn commendations from key members of Ita Enang’s party, be associated with them, but sorry to disappoint you, Senator, Governor Udom Emmanuel is not going anywhere, he remains a PDP member for life”.

To them, “it is sad and unfortunate that Senator Ita Enang would base his outlandish claims on the fact that Governor Emmanuel invited both the Vice President and the Senate President, both of the APC to help commission projects in the state as the reason for his fantasy- filled defection talk.

“Perhaps Ita Enang needs to be informed that Governor Udom Emmanuel has nationalist credentials and bonafides, and above all, sees himself as a professional in politics as opposed to being purely a professional politician”, they concluded.

Fan surprises Whitemoney with brand new Toyota Venza gift

 
A loyal fan of BBNaija season six winner, Whitemoney has surprised him with a brand new Toyota Venza as a gift.

The car gift will add to Whitemoney’s impressive N90 million prize as the winner of the reality show and the Innoson vehicle gifted to him.

Other fans of the reality show have reacted differently to the new car gift, as one of the fans said ‘he should be preparing for more surprises.’

A fan of Big Brother Naija Shine Ya Eye winner, Whitemoney has taken his fan-love to a whole new level by gifting the N90 million grand prize winner a brand new Toyota Venza car as a gift.

It will be recalled that a number of fans set up a GoFundMe page of N90 million for the second runner-up, Liquorose to make up for her defeat to Whitemoney despite winning a whopping N20.5 million from performing tasks while in Biggie’s house.

This new car gift for Whitemoney will go down as one of the many kind gestures fans have shown to the BBNaija reality stars in recent years.

LG BOSS MAY ROLL BEFORE GOV EMMANUEL DURING UYO / IKOT EKPENE ROAD INAUGURATION

Ikot Ekpene local government chairman Mr. Unyime Etim says he is ready to lie down and roll on the floor before Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He said doing so during the commissioning of the project by the Senate President on Tuesday October 5, would be a small way of appreciating Governor Emmanuel for the road project.

Speaking during a visit to the project location on Monday, Mr Etim said he suffered vilification during the general elections because political merchants came out with false assertions that the 25kilometer dual carriageway will never be completed by Governor Emmanuel’s administration.

He said he and all the people who remained resolute in their support for the Governor are vindicated by the completion of the project.

“I worked at the Ministry of Works and Transport when this project was awarded and I know the challenges that faced the project.

“I know that Governor Emmanuel has expended far more than what was initially estimated for this project, and he did that because he sincerely wants to develop the state.

“This road is Akwa Ibom’s major gateway from the South Eastern part of the country and from other parts of Nigeria.

“Its completion shall engender economic activities between Ikot Ekpene, adjourning local government areas and the rest of the state”, Mr Etim added.

In a live video presentation on the new road, some media aides of Governor Emmanuel, Messrs Sampson Akpan, Essien Ndueso and Solomon Eyo maintained that the road which Governor Emmanuel met at less than 20percent completion, demonstrates a new paradigm of equity and fairness in the distribution of commonwealth to the people.

The road is expected to be commissioned by the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan by 2pm, Tuesday.

The road commissioning is part of activities signalling the state’s 34th anniversary engagements.

UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT MEDIA PRACTITIONERS FORUM (USDMPF)

PRESS RELEASE

THAT SENSELESS AND UNWARRANTED ATTACK BY NKPUBRE AND HIS COHORTS ON GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL

With deep sense of empathy for a man who has lost his rationality and decency to old age and ethnic bigotry, the Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum (USDMP) writes to sympathize with the remains of Nkpure’s ego, over his current state of debased mentality, aggravated by bad upbringing.

Happenstance and situations have overtime proven that people with an inexistent sense of modesty and vague sense of reasoning like him, will often exhibit intellectual irrelevance whenever their names are mentioned hence, we are not surprised.

It is only surprising that a dead name would suddenly resurrect in the build-up to the 2023 elections for the purpose of gaining relevance.

As much as we know, the name, Nkpubre was long flushed into the septic tank of Oro Nation since the expiration of his tenure as the South South Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which he left with NOTHING to be remembered for.

Following his decamp to the All Progressives Congress (APC), not even a word has been heard about him till date, not to mention an achievement earned.

It is on grounds of the above that USDMPF posits that, this latest “accuser of the brethren” is up to something; and that is to gain cheap popularity by riding on the intelligence of his people for the purpose of gaining their goodwill and trust as the election year nears.

In view of the above, we condemn in entirety, the defamatory balderdash dished on the very revered personality of Governor Udom Emmanuel by Nkpubre via an audio clip. USDMPF notes very carefully that the message of the said audio was not only a threat to the life of the governor but an attempt to spite His Excellency, hurt his feelings, reduce his morale and as well expose him to public ridicule which goes against the provisions of the law, hence our call for his immediate arrest and prosecution.

As we demand for arrest and prosecution of Nkpubre, we will not have an individual or entity come out to vilify the golden image of our governor, whom we so cherish.

On no account should the office of the Governor be so derided with reckless abandon. It should never be mentioned that a man whose reputation is esteemed nationally and globally, and has done tremendously well for his people was insulted by a clown. Irrespective of what may have prompted such unguarded outburst, no one; not even a Village or Family Head deserves to be addressed in such disrespectful manner.

The Ibom Deep Seaport which seems to be the subject matter has without doubt, gulped the full commitment, time and resources of the Governor who has stopped at nothing to ensure its workability. The Seaport which is a Federal Government project driven by the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Akwa Ibom State Government and the Nigerian Port Authority already has the State Government perfecting its role as host.

We recall that on Friday, January 31, 2020, a delegation from the Presidency consisting of the Director General of Infrastructure Concession Regulating Commission (ICRC), an official of the Ministry of Transportation, Finance and the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), visited the project site; accompanied by the then Works Commissioner, Ephraim Inyang-eyen, the then State Information boss, Sir Charles Udoh and the then Economic Development counterpart, Mr. Akan Okon.

Inyang-eyen who explained the interconnectivity of the roads linking the Seaport, had stressed that the Ibom Deep Seaport will have direct links to Onne Port, Mobil Oil Producing as well as the Atlantic Ocean; Uyo, the state capital; and a super Highway from Ibeno axis to Uya Oro where one can link up to the East-West road leading to Bayelsa, Port-Harcourt and Warri or drive the opposite way to get to Oron, Eket as well as Calabar. And for the records, siting of the IDSP inches away from the Atlantic Ocean makes the coast clear for international exchanges.

How then and why would one wants to take such an internationally wired project into his pocket?
We are bothered that a certain infinitesimal number of people led by Engr. Nkpubre are bent on acting out his plans to limit the growth and expansion of the State when others are constructively lobbying to achieve the reverse.

In her reply to the Oro Development Union, the Federal Government had assured that there was no illegal relocation, yet they still went ahead to scare away investors through outrageous petitions.

It is pertinent to also note that the technical committee overseeing the Ibom Deep Seaport has factually debunked all of Engr. Nkpubre’s interviews, bringing all his claims to a nullity. Part of it which reads;

Facts:

  1. The studies at our disposal, specifically the OBC presented the concept design of a dug-out port. It was not that of a traditional port alongside a coast.
  2. Engr Nkpubre has admitted that he does not have the data to buttress his
    conclusions.
  3. The preferred bidders have their experts in port economics, port finance, port construction, port engineers etc which they relied on prior to submission of their very detailed bids in response to the RfPs issued. It is doubtful if they needed Engr Nkpubre’s opinion.
  4. The commercial risks around cost of construction or locational suitability rests on the profit-oriented project partners that are investing capital and who are armed with very sophisticated advisers.

Factual rebuttal to Engr Nkpubre’s interview published by National Newstrack

We therefore call on our Oro brethren to sheath their swords and call their agitators to order.

Inasmuch as the Seaport project is sited along their coastal belt, it is not an Oro property or possession but the collective possession of Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians.

We are known by outsiders as a State where peace thrives, we should shun divisive tendencies. No ethnic entity is bigger than Akwa Ibom. Please, let’s sustain the peace.

SIGNED:

Pastor Micheal Okon.
Head, Publicity and Strategic Communications

AKIRS BOSS BAGS ‘IDORENYIN IWAAD ATAI UYO’

In recognition of his selfless contributions and services rendering to Akwa Ibom people, as well as his commitment to human development, a socio-political cum cultural organization known as ‘IWAAD ATAI UYO’ have honoured the Chairman, Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Services Board (AKIRS), Mr. Okon Okon with an Excellent Award and title of ‘IDORENYIN IWAAD ATAI UYO’.

The honour was presented to him yesterday 29th September 2021 in Uyo, the State capital.

According to the International President of the Organization, Obongiwaad (Prince) Edem Simon Akpan, the award was bestowed on Mr. Okon Okon considering his noticable contributions to the success story of Gov. Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

He described Mr. Okon Okon as a strong pillar and patriotic son of Atai Uyo Federal Constituency.

“As a group of people, we have seen and heard of your good works to the people of Akwa Ibom State. We came to celebrate and honour you today because you have made us proud. You have not disappointed Atai Uyo people in the course of discharging your assigned duties. May God Almighty continue to bless, protect and give you wisdom wisdom to succeed.” ~Prince Edem Simon Akpan Speaks.

Receiving the Award, the financial expert, Mr. Okon Okon who was full of excitement, appreciated the leadership and entire members of ‘IWAAD ATAI UYO’ for recognizing his efforts and contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom State.

He specifically commended members of the organization for their steadfastness and supports so far rendered to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s led Government and the Peoples’ Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State.
He admonished members of ‘IWAAD ATAI UYO’ to embrace the peace Maintainace initiative of the present administration, while seeking for their continuous supports and prayers to Governor Udom Emmanuel in order to succeed in 2023.

Accompanied the President to the visit were the representative of the four (4) local government areas (Nsit Atai, Uruan, Ibesikpo Asutan and Uyo) that made up Uyo Federal Constituency.

FULL TEXT OF PETITION BY ORON UNION THAT SCARED AWAY THE PRINCIPAL INVESTORS

May 12,2021
Messrs Bollore Transport Logistics
31/32 Quai De Dion Bouton
92811 Puteaux Cedex France.

Attention: Mr Philip Labonne

Dear Sir

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING IBAKA (IBOM) DEEP SEAPORT

We are informed that your esteemed organization is the selected Core Investor in the Deep Sea Port
development in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

We write on behalf of the people of Oron Nation, which is supposed to be the Host Community for the Deep Sea Port, to intimate you of the emerging controversy surrounding the Deep Sea Port Project. We do this with the hope that as a Core Investor who would take up 60% equity in the Deep Seaport, you can take appropriate steps to ensure that the right thing is done so that the Port can be developed and operated at a sustainable cost in a peaceful operational environment.

Nigeria is a country made up of numerous ethnic nationalities, some very large and others small. The exigency of the Nigerian Nationhood has necesitated both the small and large ethnic nationalities to coexist in many States of the Nigerian Federation.

Oron Nation is a minority ethnic nationality in Akwa lbom State. It is located at the Eastern extremity of
Nigeria. Bounded in the East by the large estuary of cross River and In the south by the Atlantic ocean, Oron is one of the communities in Nigeria with a large Maritime environment blessed with abundant natural resources including Oil and Gas and Natural Harbour at ibaka unfortunately, although contributing 70% of the Oil producion accruing to Akwa Ibom state the highest oil Producing State in Nigeria, Oron Nation has always been deprived of the benefits of its rich maritime environment
because of its ethnic minority status.

Ibaka Deep Sea Port, conceptualized since 2003 to take advantage of the Natural Harbour at ibaka was the first Deep Sea Port to be embarked upon by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Port was to be developed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model between the Federal Government of Nigeria, Akwa lbom State Government and a Private Investor with equity holding in the ratio of 20:20:60
respectively.

In 2012 the Federal Government of Nigeria through a Ministerial Steering Committee set up a Project Delivery Team (PDT) for the Project. The PDT working with Consultants carried out comprehensive Due Diligence studies including the preferred site selection for the Deep Sea Port. A site tagged “okposo” near Ibaka and close to Tom Shot sland was selected as a Preferred Location for the lbaka Deep Sea Port.

Incidentally, independent studies conducted by Worley Parsons and Delta Afrik in 2009 also selected the same site as the preferred location for the Deep Sea Port.

All the financial modelling which put the total Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for the Three Phases of the Deep Sea Port at a conservative value of about 2bn USD was based on this preferred location. The approved Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Ibom Industrial City within which the Deep Sea Port is located was based on the Sea Port in this same preferred location. Godswill Akpabio who was the Governor of Akwa lbom State in 2012 had promised to commission the Deep Sea Port at the preferred location before leaving office in 2015. Unfortunately destructive ethnic politics set in with unjustified plan to remove the Sea Port from the preferred location because it is in Oron Nation which is a minority ethnic nationality in Akwa Ibom State.

As a consequence, for over nine good years, there is nothing on ground for the Deep Sea Port apart from paper work which we learnt has gulped billions of Naira. What has come to our knowledge is that the Deep Sea Port will now be built as a Dugout Port in an Artificial ocean created on dry land in allocation outside Oron Nation. This new location scored low with quantitative location evaluation during Due Diligence studies and was rejected. We are also informed that the Federal Government of Nigeria has relinquished its equity in the Deep Sea Port project and in addition has refused to guarantee any loan obtained for the Project. This may not be unconnected with the relocation of the Deep Sea Port from the
preferred location and the choice of a Dugout Port.

The entire Oron Nation who were supposed to be the cheerful Host Community for the Deep Sea Portare devastated and embarrassed, since this is not the first time they have suffered such humilating deprivation due to their ethnic minority status. They have therefore vehemently rejected the plan for the relocation of the Deep Sea Port from the preferred location

Sir, Oron People consider the construction of a Dugout port, in an Artificial Ocean somewhere else when a location close to a Natural Harbour favourably recommended by professionals exists in the vicinity, as simply unacceptable. Specifically, we are concerned about digging an Ocean out of a dry land, large enough to berth Deep Sea Vessels with drafts up to 15meters and lengths up to 300meters. The Dugout Ocean would also be extensive enough to provide turning circle and secure anchorage for such vessels. It is decisions like this, which are based on primordial sentiments that make Africa to remain perpetually under developed despite its abundant natural endowment.

Sir, it is with humility that the People of Oron Nation seek your indulgence to go through the attached under listed documents which detail the degree of falsity and dishonesty attending the decision to move the Deep Sea Port from its preferred location to somewhere else outside Oron Nation to be built as an unusual Dugout Port.

1.0 The Petition of the people of Oron Nation, to the Government of Akwa Ibom State, against the
following:

1.1 Relocation of lbaka Deep Sea Port from Okposo, a Preferred Location near a Natural Harbour at Ibaka in Oron Nation to Ibeno, to be built as a Dugout Port.

1.2 Digging out of an Artificial Ocean ( 1KM2) out of scarce land anywhere near Oro Nation

1.3 Dumping of Excavated Sand for the ill-advised Artificial Ocean near Oron Land and Water Territory with the attendant negative Social and Environmental impact.

2.0 Review of the Location Assessment Document on which the relocation is said to be based by Experts.

Sir, our prayer is that as a Core Investor, you please endeavour to go through the attached documents and decide for yourself whether the planned relocation of Ibaka Deep Sea Port from its preferred location is based on any scientific, technical or economic reasons and if not so, to kindly use your
leverage as the Core Investor to advise appropriately.

Pleasc accept the kind regards of Oron People.

Yours faithfully,

For and on behalf of Oro Nation

H.E. Amb. Dr. Etim Udo Uye, KJW,FNSE, Ph.D (Cranfield).
Fmr. Nigeria Ambassador to Greece,
Chairman, Oron Steering Committee.

Engr. Nkpubre Okon Nkpubre, FNSE
Fmr. Branch President/Rtd MD, Niger Dock.

Chairman, Oron Technical Committee
of IDSP on Detailed /Engineering Studies

Prince Chris Abasi Eyo
Fmr. Commissioner of Information, AKS
Chairman, Oron Think Tank (OTT).

HRM, Ofong Effiong Mathew Unanaowo
Eti Oyo Okpo.
Chairman, Council of Oro Traditional Rulers (COTR)

His Lordship, Bishop Etim Ante.
President General, Oron Union

May 12,2021
Messrs Bollore Transport Logistics
31/32 Quai De Dion Bouton
92811 Puteaux Cedex France.

Attention: Mr Philip Labonne

Dear Sir

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING IBAKA (IBOM) DEEP SEAPORT

We are informed that your esteemed organization is the selected Core Investor in the Deep Sea Port
development in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

We write on behalf of the people of Oron Nation, which is supposed to be the Host Community for the Deep Sea Port, to intimate you of the emerging controversy surrounding the Deep Sea Port Project. We do this with the hope that as a Core Investor who would take up 60% equity in the Deep Seaport, you can take appropriate steps to ensure that the right thing is done so that the Port can be developed and operated at a sustainable cost in a peaceful operational environment.

Nigeria is a country made up of numerous ethnic nationalities, some very large and others small. The exigency of the Nigerian Nationhood has necesitated both the small and large ethnic nationalities to coexist in many States of the Nigerian Federation.

Oron Nation is a minority ethnic nationality in Akwa lbom State. It is located at the Eastern extremity of
Nigeria. Bounded in the East by the large estuary of cross River and In the south by the Atlantic ocean, Oron is one of the communities in Nigeria with a large Maritime environment blessed with abundant natural resources including Oil and Gas and Natural Harbour at ibaka unfortunately, although contributing 70% of the Oil producion accruing to Akwa Ibom state the highest oil Producing State in Nigeria, Oron Nation has always been deprived of the benefits of its rich maritime environment
because of its ethnic minority status.

Ibaka Deep Sea Port, conceptualized since 2003 to take advantage of the Natural Harbour at ibaka was the first Deep Sea Port to be embarked upon by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Port was to be developed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model between the Federal Government of Nigeria, Akwa lbom State Government and a Private Investor with equity holding in the ratio of 20:20:60
respectively.

In 2012 the Federal Government of Nigeria through a Ministerial Steering Committee set up a Project Delivery Team (PDT) for the Project. The PDT working with Consultants carried out comprehensive Due Diligence studies including the preferred site selection for the Deep Sea Port. A site tagged “okposo” near Ibaka and close to Tom Shot sland was selected as a Preferred Location for the lbaka Deep Sea Port.

Incidentally, independent studies conducted by Worley Parsons and Delta Afrik in 2009 also selected the same site as the preferred location for the Deep Sea Port.

All the financial modelling which put the total Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for the Three Phases of the Deep Sea Port at a conservative value of about 2bn USD was based on this preferred location. The approved Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Ibom Industrial City within which the Deep Sea Port is located was based on the Sea Port in this same preferred location. Godswill Akpabio who was the Governor of Akwa lbom State in 2012 had promised to commission the Deep Sea Port at the preferred location before leaving office in 2015. Unfortunately destructive ethnic politics set in with unjustified plan to remove the Sea Port from the preferred location because it is in Oron Nation which is a minority ethnic nationality in Akwa Ibom State.

As a consequence, for over nine good years, there is nothing on ground for the Deep Sea Port apart from paper work which we learnt has gulped billions of Naira. What has come to our knowledge is that the Deep Sea Port will now be built as a Dugout Port in an Artificial ocean created on dry land in allocation outside Oron Nation. This new location scored low with quantitative location evaluation during Due Diligence studies and was rejected. We are also informed that the Federal Government of Nigeria has relinquished its equity in the Deep Sea Port project and in addition has refused to guarantee any loan obtained for the Project. This may not be unconnected with the relocation of the Deep Sea Port from the
preferred location and the choice of a Dugout Port.

The entire Oron Nation who were supposed to be the cheerful Host Community for the Deep Sea Portare devastated and embarrassed, since this is not the first time they have suffered such humilating deprivation due to their ethnic minority status. They have therefore vehemently rejected the plan for the relocation of the Deep Sea Port from the preferred location

Sir, Oron People consider the construction of a Dugout port, in an Artificial Ocean somewhere else when a location close to a Natural Harbour favourably recommended by professionals exists in the vicinity, as simply unacceptable. Specifically, we are concerned about digging an Ocean out of a dry land, large enough to berth Deep Sea Vessels with drafts up to 15meters and lengths up to 300meters. The Dugout Ocean would also be extensive enough to provide turning circle and secure anchorage for such vessels. It is decisions like this, which are based on primordial sentiments that make Africa to remain perpetually under developed despite its abundant natural endowment.

Sir, it is with humility that the People of Oron Nation seek your indulgence to go through the attached under listed documents which detail the degree of falsity and dishonesty attending the decision to move the Deep Sea Port from its preferred location to somewhere else outside Oron Nation to be built as an unusual Dugout Port.

1.0 The Petition of the people of Oron Nation, to the Government of Akwa Ibom State, against the
following:

1.1 Relocation of lbaka Deep Sea Port from Okposo, a Preferred Location near a Natural Harbour at Ibaka in Oron Nation to Ibeno, to be built as a Dugout Port.

1.2 Digging out of an Artificial Ocean ( 1KM2) out of scarce land anywhere near Oro Nation

1.3 Dumping of Excavated Sand for the ill-advised Artificial Ocean near Oron Land and Water Territory with the attendant negative Social and Environmental impact.

2.0 Review of the Location Assessment Document on which the relocation is said to be based by Experts.

Sir, our prayer is that as a Core Investor, you please endeavour to go through the attached documents and decide for yourself whether the planned relocation of Ibaka Deep Sea Port from its preferred location is based on any scientific, technical or economic reasons and if not so, to kindly use your
leverage as the Core Investor to advise appropriately.

Pleasc accept the kind regards of Oron People.

Chairman, Oron Technical Committee
of IDSP on Detailed /Engineering Studies

Prince Chris Abasi Eyo
Fmr. Commissioner of Information, AKS
Chairman, Oron Think Tank (OTT).

HRM, Ofong Effiong Mathew Unanaowo
Eti Oyo Okpo.
Chairman, Council of Oro Traditional Rulers (COTR)

His Lordship, Bishop Etim Ante.
President General, Oron Union