More than three years ago, Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, carried out a groundbreaking ceremony in Ikot Ukap, Itam, Itu local government area of the state to build an Automobile Manufacturing and Assembling Plant in the state as part of his industrialization agenda for the state. The ground breaking was done on Monday, 13th July, 2015.
The governor during the ground breaking ceremony said; “We stand ready and committed to provide jobs for people of Akwa Ibom State. The site will represent first chapter in the book of industrialization we have opened today,” adding that; “already, we have acquired 20 hectares of land for the Automobile Assembling Plant; which is one of the fruits of the Foreign Direct Investment, is an Israeli company name MIMSHAC Merkavim Transportation Technologies Plant.”
I remember that during the ground breaking ceremony, the International Business Development Adviser of MIMSHAC Merkavim Transportation Technologies Plant – the Israeli automobile manufacturing company that was maned by the governor in the project was represented by Mr. Ronen Golan. And he (Golan) disclosed that his company was a leading automobile assembling firm with specialty in the production of luxury buses, utility vehicles, ambulances and fire trucks.
Golan noted that apart from training indigenes in automobile manufacturing, the company would create job opportunities for the people, build schools and bring international investors to the state.
He assured that the company would partner the government to make the state an industrial haven and bring “Jewish blessings” to the state.
The governor had inaugurated an 11-member Technical Committee to boost and manage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the state, chaired by Mr. Gabriel Ukpeh with the following members: Mr Offong Ambah, Dr Elijah Akpan, Mr Ini Urua, Mr. Larry Esin, Mr Akan Udofia, Mr Andrew Jason, Mr Udeme Ufot, Mrs Offiong (Fifi) Ejindu and Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem (Commissioner of Investment, Commerce & Industry), as he (Enoidem) then was.
This project, we were told was attracted by the FDI to the state in line with the industrialization agenda of Governor Emmanuel to change the face of the State.
At the weekend, yours truly decided to take a trip to the site of the proposed project and I am in tears that nothing is happening on the site. I was shocked that the 20 hectares of land acquired by government for the project has overgrown by weeds and members of the community have started cultivating some portion for their farming since nothing is happening on it.
The only visible presence of the project on site as at the time of my visit were the expanded metals for perimeter fencing of the site lying on the ground and covered by weeds; and the groundbreaking plaque erected on the site.
When would our politicians be sincere to themselves and God? Why is it difficult for politicians to promise the people what they can successfully actualize in Akwa Ibom? We have had several abandoned projects or call it white elephant projects in Akwa Ibom state in time past. I am asking the present administration not to add this project on the list of such projects. Because if this project is executed, it would create employment for the unemployed youth of the state and take them off the streets.
As we approach another electioneering campaign season, I make bold to advise our politicians to be sincere to themselves and tell Akwa Ibom people only those things they can do within a given tenure of office and not those things they will not achieve.
I make a passionate appeal to all journalists in Akwa Ibom state – the supposed watchdogs of the society, to rise up to the occasion and be bold to hold the government accountable to the people.
The media should make our politicians and political officeholders give account of their stewardship with respect to their 2015 campaign promises, before they (politicians) start to talk about the 2019 elections and make more promises.
The media cannot continue to feign ignorance of the antics of politicians who take the people for a ride.
Akwa Ibom government where is the Automobile Assembling Plant? What is delaying its take off? How many Akwa Ibomites are currently employed and are working in the plant? These and many more questions are begging for answers from the Akwa ibom state government.
Franklyn Isong is a public affairs commentator and conscience of the society
