Nigerian Lawyer Criticizes President Tinubu Over Ibom Deep-Sea Port Approval

Nigerian lawyer Inibehe Effiong has criticized President Bola Tinubu over his approval of the proposed Ibom Deep-Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State. Effiong described the project as a fraudulent scheme allegedly used by successive state administrations to deceive residents. He made these comments on social media following Tinubu's announcement of the approval during his visit to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Effiong accused Governor Umo Eno of exploiting the project for political gains, arguing that previous administrations had made similar promises without delivering the proposed seaport. He recalled that former governors Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel had also announced approvals for the establishment of the seaport during their respective administrations. According to Effiong, former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the project during Akpabio's tenure, while the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari gave a similar approval under Emmanuel.

The lawyer questioned why the project had remained unrealized despite successive announcements. He alleged that successive administrations had expended state resources on the project without tangible results. Effiong stated that Akwa Ibom people are tired of the deceit and political exploitation, adding that politicians should not assume they can perpetually engage in dishonesty without rebuke.

Effiong also condemned Governor Eno over the shutdown of government activities in the state to welcome Tinubu, describing the decision as unconstitutional and an abuse of public office. He argued that the President's visit was primarily for his 2027 re-election campaign and should not have been presented as an official state function.

Tinubu announced the approval of the Ibom Deep-Sea Port and the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport to full international airport status during a rally in Uyo. He recalled that he had promised to facilitate the establishment of a deep-sea port in the state during his 2023 presidential campaign, citing the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a model. Governor Eno had pledged that Akwa Ibom would deliver two million votes for Tinubu's re-election in 2027 if the Federal Government approved and facilitated the project.

Tinubu also pledged support for investments in education, skills development, job creation, and economic growth in the state. He identified palm produce cultivation and processing as sectors with significant economic potential, urging the state government to develop the industry to create sustainable employment opportunities.

The criticism from Effiong follows a long-standing debate over the Ibom Deep-Sea Port project. The project has been a subject of discussion for years, with successive administrations making promises that have not been fulfilled. The development has sparked concerns about the commitment of the government to the project and its potential impact on the state's economy.

Key points

• Lawyer Inibehe Effiong criticizes President Bola Tinubu over approval of Ibom Deep-Sea Port project, calling it a 'fraudulent scheme'.
• The project has been a subject of discussion for years, with successive administrations making promises that have not been fulfilled.
• Tinubu also pledged support for investments in education, skills development, job creation, and economic growth in Akwa Ibom State.