Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno
PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPA-J) has voiced “deep disappointment and concern” over Governor Umo Eno’s plan to acquire land in Abuja to build an “Akwa Ibom Estate”.
According to the group, the announcement is coming at a time when Akwa Ibom State is facing housing shortages, outrageous rent costs, and increasing hardship among ordinary citizens adding that “not only shocking but also economically misplaced and socially insensitive.”
In a statement signed by its coordinator, Tom Fredfish and made available to the media, the party also noted that it is not in the best interest of the ARISE Agenda, which emphasizes inclusive development, especially in rural communities
“The Akwa Ibom State Government has been involved in multiple external investment activities outside the state, including the construction of the Ibom Tower in Lagos State, and the proposed investment in a 4-Star hotel project in Abuja (FCT) aimed at expanding the state’s hospitality portfolio and creating alternative income streams.
“While no one disputes the importance of economic expansion and diversification, it is unacceptable that a state government would prioritize real estate development outside its territory when its own citizens are suffering a deep and worsening housing crisis.
“Akwa Ibom State currently suffers from a growing deficit in affordable housing. Rent rates in Uyo and other urban communities have skyrocketed beyond the reach of the average worker, student, trader, and young family.
“Many residents are being forced into overcrowded conditions, unsafe settlements, and unsustainable living arrangements.
” It is therefore baffling that the state government would choose to invest public resources in building estates in Abuja rather than addressing the pressing needs at home.
“If Governor Umo Eno is genuinely committed to economic development under the ARISE Agenda, then the most logical and impactful place to invest is Akwa Ibom State itself.
“Building a large-scale estate within Akwa Ibom would yield direct benefits such as reduction of housing deficit by increasing the supply of available homes, reduction in rent prices through improved housing availability and competition.
“It will also provide employment for Akwa Ibom youth who are often mobilized only during political campaigns and rallies, boost to local construction and engineering firms, improved internally generated revenue through property taxation and documentation, growth of local businesses including suppliers, transporters and artisans, and the overall strengthening of urban planning and infrastructure across the state.
It believed that building an “Akwa Ibom Estate” in Abuja does not solve the problems of the common Akwa Ibom citizen. Such an estate will likely end up serving political elites, contractors, and privileged individuals, while ordinary citizens remain trapped under high rents and poor housing conditions in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, Oron, Abak, Etinan, and other communities.
The group called on Governor Eno to discontinue all plans aimed at acquiring land in Abuja for estate development and instead channel that same energy, resources, and political will into building affordable housing schemes across Akwa Ibom State…
“If the governor truly desires to leave a lasting legacy, let that legacy be felt by the people who voted him into office, not by visitors and political associates in Abuja”, it stated.
“We demand that the Akwa Ibom State Government immediately suspend all negotiations for land acquisition in Abuja, launch an Affordable Housing Development Programme within Akwa Ibom State, prioritize youth employment through construction and housing-related projects, and implement housing policies that will reduce rent burdens and make home ownership possible for the average citizen.”
