By Joseph ATHANASIUS
The Akwa lbom state government has initiated measures to address the security problem, which has engulfed Oruk Anam local government area of the state in recent time, and as well, helped im disrupting construction work in the area.
This was made known today, Thursday, when the Honourable Commissioner in charge of Works Ministry, Akparawa Ephraim lnyangeyen, inspected a 23.25km Ikot Ekaide – Ikot Okoro – Ikot Ibritam Road with two number bridges of 30m and 70m span respectively, handled by Total Advance Engineering Service Limited, and a 18.95km Ikot Ibritam – Ekeffe – Ikot Akpan Afaha Road, handled by ALMAJDAL Construction Company, all in Oruk Anam local government areas.
Commissioner Inyangeyen, who called on the traditional fathers and senior citizens from the area to call their youths to order and as well, advise their youths to desist from attitude capable of hampering the development of the area, said that, development is the aim of every well responsible government, adding that, this is what Givernor Udom Emmanuel-led government represents.
According to him, development can only thrive in a peaceful and secured environment. He also said that, in the absence of security, development is untenable because insecurity destroys economic, human and social capital. He said that insecurity in the area has almost crippled construction activities.
According to Commissioner lnyangeyen, Oruk Anam, as a local government has never benefits from previous administrations, especially in the area of road infrastructure. He also stressed that, it is only in Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration, that the area was slated as one of the local government areas in the state to enjoy quality road network, and wondered why the people of the area are posing security threats to companies handling developmental projects in the area.
The Works’ boss said, the security crises in the area is preventing a peaceful environment for development, and enjoined the youths of the area to see the present administration in the state as a good opportunity for their progress, even as he conveyed the message of their in-law, Deacon Udom Emmanuel to them, saying the Governor is committed to opening up the area for social-economic activities through putting key infrastructure in place.
However, it could be recalled that, of late, there have been cases of kidnapping and killing of officials of the companies working in the area. Nevertheless, the state government has vowed to bring upon anyone a full weight of law, if found threatening the peace and security of the area again.
