Akwa Ibom State Government said yesterday it had taken possession of 186 oil wells wrongly ceded to some neighbouring states by previous administrations in the country.
Governor Godswill Akpabio, who disclosed this in Uyo said by the gesture of the present administration in the country, Akwa Ibom State had become the nation’s largest producer of crude oil and would earn more revenue from the federation account.
This development, Akpabio said, would help to cushion the effect of the economic meltdown as more revenue would accrue from the Federal Account to the state for the execution of development projects.
He pointed out that with more money expected into the state from the federation account, he would hasten the pace of infrastructural development in the state to usher in the much needed industrial transformation long yearned for by the people.
He said instead of about 80 percent of the money to find its way into private pockets such increased revenue would be used to execute development projects capable of changing the lives of the people of the state.
Akpabio restated his administration’s readiness to hold a thanksgiving service at Ibom Hall, Uyo, to appreciate God as the architect behind the return of the oil wells to the state and for raising the status of the state to become the highest oil producer not only in Niger Delta but also in Nigeria as a whole.
The state chief executive praised God’s special love for Akwa Ibom State during the present global economic meltdown, and called on the people of the state to embrace love and unity but to resist hatred and ethnic sentiments that could impede the socio-economic growth of the state.
He expressed his appreciation to the people for bestowing on him the mandate, and called on them to be cautious to elect detribalised leaders who would embark on people-oriented projects devoid of parochial and tribal sentiments.
Apr292009