Rights Group Wants Gov Eno To Revisit Abandoned Ibom Science Park Project

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has decried the lofty vision of Ibom Science Park Project in Akwa Ibom State that has been allowed to waste away by successive administrations.

CHRAN, a foremost pro-democracy-cum-human rights and good governance advocacy organisation in Nigeria noted with sadness that Ibom Science Park project which was conceived by the former governor of the state, Arc Victor Attah with over 27 hectares of land acquired for project, has now become a haven for criminals to hide and hatch their plans.

It would be recalled that Ibom Science Park Project which was later abandoned by successive administration in the state after the exit of Gov Attah’s administration in 2008, was hoped to be a one-stop employment and wealth generations venture for the teaming youth, besides being economic booster for the state.

Arising from its press statement signed by CHRAN Secretary, Comrade Christopher Ekpo and made available to New Nigerian in Uyo on Wednesday, the rights group appealed to Governor Umo Eno through the Ministry of Science and Technology to work towards the realisation and actualisation of the project

“The Center urged the Ministry of Science and Technology to work towards the realisation and actualisation of the Ibom Science Park. The Center noted that the administration of Arc. Victor Attah that conceptualised the project acquired over 27 hectares of land in Itu Local Government Area for the siting of the project. The Center observed that the location has become a security threat to the host communities due to the abandonment of the Ibom Science Park by successive administrations.” The release stated.

CHRAN also urged the State’s Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee to be up and doing in order to ensure that the effort of the Governor Umo Eno to ensure that Akwa Ibom people are not shortchanged by owners and promoters of petroleum products filling stations in the State was not in vain

It lauded the state government for inaugurating the committee to check the excesses of petroleum marketers in the State and ensure the availability of petroleum products at reasonable prices.

Taking appraisal of works done smtge state government in the last few years in the state, “CHRAN lauded the administration on the completion of the following roads: Ekparakwa/Ntak Ibesit Road in Oruk Anam Local Government Area; Ikot Eyo/Edem Idim Okpot/Mbiekene/Nnung Obong/Ikot Ntung/East West Road in Nsit Ubuim.

“Ikot Obio Offong/Enen Nsit Road; Mkpat Enin/Ikot Ubo/Ikot Ntot Road; Urueffong/Utuku/ Ibotong Road in Urueffong Oruko Local Government Area; Spring Road in Ikot Ekpene, and Ndiya Street at the Akpan Andem Market. The Center commended the administration on the ongoing construction of the 8km Ikot Ekan/Ikot Akpanya/Ikot Ebo Ikono Road in Etinan and Uyo local government.

The CHRAN, being a foremost pro-democracy-cum-human rights and good governance advocacy organisation in Nigeria committed to holding governments and public office holders accountable to the people stated its commitment to continue to engage the Government of Akwa Ibom State and its agencies constructively in the remaining two and a half years of the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration with a view to facilitating the delivery of good governance to the people of Akwa Ibom State.” The release added.