SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR ON COMMUNITY RELATIONS, ENGAGES WITH COALITION OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN BAKASSI
Mr. Maurice Eyo, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations, recently led a delegation to meet with the coalition of political parties in Bakassi Local Government Area (LGA) who supported the “Back to South” agenda during the 2023 General Election. He was joined by the Vice Chairman Of Bakassi Executive council, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing who happens to be the state coordinator of the coalition.
The primary purpose of this visit was to update the community on ongoing developmental efforts within the state and to reaffirm the commitment of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, to community development and human empowerment.
During the meeting, members of the coalition expressed their disappointment regarding the unmet needs of the community. Mr. Bassey Ukpe voiced his concerns about the deteriorating state of education in the area. He shared his experience visiting public primary schools, where he found out that both teachers and pupils were absent. He attributed this to government negligence and urged the administration to investigate these issues and implement solutions, emphasizing the importance of education in fostering community development.
Mr. Effiong Okon echoed similar sentiments, lamenting that the community has felt sidelined since after the election. He emphasized the importance of the Governor to keep to his campaign promises by ensuring inclusive governance.
Mr. Asuquo Etim commended the Vice Chairman for taking time to engage with the coalition. He also expressed disappointment over how their contributions and sacrifice during the electoral campaign seemed to have been overlooked after the elections.
Mr. Archibong Ene appeal the government to support tourism and entertainment in the LGA as such will also boost the economy of the area.
Chief. Ankot Ene who happens to be village head of Inua Esighi in regards to the Bakassi Deep Sea Port Project emphasis that the government should do the needful by getting full endorsement from the host community, he lamented the situation whereby he was one of the signatory to the project as the village head from onset but suddenly unknown individuals were hired to impersonate him and sign documents on his behalf without his concern as the village head nor of the original leaders of the Inua Esighi village (host community)
In response to the concerns raised, Comrade Coco Bassey assured the attendees that the Governor has numerous plans and goodwill for the people of Bakassi, pledging that he would fulfill his campaign commitments. He encouraged the people to remain calm, patient and hopeful for a better opportunities.
The Vice Chairman, Mrs. Christiana Eso, thanked the community for their trust and confidence in both the Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC). She states that her coming is in tandem with the Governor and Chairman’s good visions for the group, she also highlights the economic benefits of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port Project, she appeal with the people to embrace peace and keep supporting the vision of the government in other to attract more investment to the Local Government Area.
Mr Maurice Eyo in his remark highlighted the Bakassi Deep Sea Port project as a significant initiative of Governor Otu, reinforcing its potential impact on economic development. he shared his experience as an offshore staff he compared the benefit of a skill worker and an ordinary labourers, he therefore urge the community members to pursue skill acquisition so they can fit in and benefit more from future opportunities that would come with the Deep Sea Port.
The gathering concluded with a charitable gesture, as the delegation donated cash and bags of rice to the ten(10) political wards of Bakassi as a way of supporting the coalition, reinforcing their commitment to the community’s well-being.