The Akwa Ibom State Government has explained the rationale behind its much-criticised decision to construct an 18-floor apartment building, Ibom Towers, on Lagos Island.
Some critics questioned the need for such buildings outside the state, suggesting the funds should be used to provide food for the people, considering the realities of the time.
The explanation by the state government is contained in a press statement endorsed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, and made available to journalists in Uyo on Sunday.
According to the statement, the Pastor Eno-led administration aims to increase the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) without imposing additional taxes on the people.
It states that the 18-story Ibom Towers will feature one- and two-bedroom flats and business suites intended for high-income earners, with proceeds directed to the state treasury.
It adds that the state plans to convert its liaison office in Abuja into a three-star hotel to further boost income.
Part of the statement read: ”While the media is free to do its job as the interrogator of government’s activities, we hope some of their interrogations will be products of reason, rationality, and deep intellectual capital put into analysing government’s actions, rather than playing to the gallery and the unfortunate celebration of a herd mentality.
”Governor Umo Eno came to serve, to uplift, to challenge, and to galvanise our people to dream more, become more, and rise further and shine. He remains irrevocably committed to that vision, and nothing will distract him.
”The 18-story proposed Ibom Towers and the three-star hotel in Abuja are great investments that would guarantee solid income to the state government.
”Like Ibom Air, which was attacked and described as a “white elephant” project by the same herd of “nattering nabobs of negativism” apologies to the late United States one-time Vice President, Spirow Agnew, the proposed Ibom Towers and the three-star hotel in Abuja will stand out as enchanting symbols of the continuous rise and ascendancy of the Akwa Ibom identity when completed. Governor Umo Eno should be celebrated rather than pilloried.”
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
