Governor Umo Eno Declares State Of Emergency In Akwa Ibom Power Sector

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has declared a state of emergency in the power sector, highlighting the critical need for consistent electricity supply to propel economic growth under his administration’s ARISE Agenda. Speaking at the EXCO Ministerial Briefing and End-of-Year Review on Tuesday at the Government House, Uyo, the governor outlined plans to address power challenges in the state.

Power Summit and Infrastructure Committee

Governor Eno announced plans to host a Power Summit between January and March 2025, aimed at assessing the sector’s challenges and charting a path forward. A Power Infrastructure Committee will also be established to collaborate with stakeholders and develop actionable solutions.

He emphasized that reliable electricity is fundamental to achieving the state’s development goals, stating, “I believe that Akwa Ibom can generate power 24/7, and this is the mandate of the Commissioner of Power.”

Debt to Gas Supplier and Leadership Issues

The governor expressed frustration over the state’s N40 billion debt to Acugas, the gas supplier for the Ibom Power Plant, a situation he described as unsustainable. He criticized the former Managing Director of the plant, Engr Meyen Etukudo, for publicly blaming the gas company for power outages instead of adopting a conciliatory approach.

“We are owing the gas company N40 billion, and the MD came out to make a press statement that they have cut off power. Assuming we have youths that are irrational, that company would have been burnt down by now,” Eno said.

The governor further revealed that the sacked MD had left plant operations in the hands of a contractor during his leave, a decision Eno found unacceptable. “It’s just like handing over your vehicle to a mechanic and saying, ‘If it has a problem, let me know.’ Definitely, that vehicle must develop a problem because the mechanic must eat,” he remarked.

Commitment to 24-Hour Power Supply

Governor Eno reiterated his vision of delivering 24-hour power supply to ignite the state’s economy. He commended the Commissioner for Power, Engr Camillus Umoh, for bringing about a paradigm shift in the operations of the Ibom Power Company.

Stakeholder Support

Prominent stakeholders, including Chief Nduese Essien, Chief Sunny Udom, Rt. Hon Peter Linus Umoh, and HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, lauded the governor for organizing the unprecedented stakeholders’ briefing. They praised his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

The Way Forward

As the state braces for the Power Summit in early 2025, Governor Eno’s decisive actions signal a renewed commitment to addressing the power sector’s challenges. His administration aims to transform Akwa Ibom into a state with reliable electricity supply, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for its residents.