●Seeks naval base in Stubbs Creek
The Akwa Ibom State Government (AKSG) has described its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) City Bus Project as “the first in Africa”, citing its comprehensive package of facilities and services.
The claim was made by the Commissioner of Transport, Anthony Luke, during the ongoing ministerial media briefing in Uyo on Friday, October 23, where government ministries are presenting their mandates and achievements under Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
Luke said the project was unique because it “comes with a complete package, unlike others”.
He added that it was conceived to deliver “a clean, efficient, affordable, environmentally friendly and sustainable mass transportation system” for residents of the state.
According to him, the project is designed to provide affordable, clean, safe and efficient public transportation, reduce dependence on petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles through the adoption of cleaner energy, and minimise environmental pollution.
He said it would also improve connectivity between urban and rural communities, promote financial inclusion through cashless fare payment systems, create employment opportunities and stimulate the local economy.
The commissioner disclosed that 500 drivers would be trained under the scheme but would not be obliged to work for the state government.
He listed 31 sub-terminals, one in each of the state’s 31 local government areas, among the project’s components. The main terminal, he said, would be fully solar-powered and equipped with passenger and loading bays, a VIP lounge, boarding gates, commercial shopping spaces and world-class restaurants.
Other facilities include modern parking spaces, an automated car wash, an electric vehicle charging station, a ticketing station, 150 bus stops, 600 bus bays, a technical workshop for fleet maintenance, and a technical training school and workshop for drivers and transport personnel.
The training facilities, he explained, would cater for professionals such as electrical and mechanical engineers, vulcanisers and spray painters.
AKSG seeks naval base in Stubbs Creek
Also speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Waterways, retired General Koko Essien, said his ministry had played a central role in improving security on land and waterways across the state.
He said the ministry had worked to promote public safety through stronger collaboration, intelligence-driven decision-making and improved inter-agency coordination.
According to Essien, the ministry also serves as the primary channel for coordinating the state government’s engagement with security agencies and security operations on land and waterways.
He said the ministry, in collaboration with federal security agencies, had significantly reduced incidents of oil theft, sea robbery and kidnapping, thereby improving security for residents and supporting the state’s blue economy, particularly water transportation, trade and fisheries.
The retired general disclosed that efforts were under way to establish a naval post in Stubbs Creek, a wetland whose ownership has been a subject of contention involving several local government areas and the state government.
He said the proposed naval post would complement the existing naval bases at Ibaka and Ikot Abasi and strengthen security coverage of the state’s maritime zone, where critical oil and gas assets are located.
Essien added that the state government was working to attract more security formations to ensure that criminal activities and their perpetrators were kept in check.
He also said security in inner-city areas and communities had improved considerably through the ministry’s coordinated efforts.
“We have strengthened security and stemmed the tide against cultism within the society and in public schools, armed robbery, kidnapping, communal clashes, and cross-border criminality along our common boundaries,” he said.
Army base in Eyulor
On the contentious establishment of an army base in Eyulor Village, Urue Offong Oruko Local Government Area, Essien dismissed claims by landowners that the military was taking over their land unlawfully.
He maintained that the Army had followed due process in acquiring the land for public use, adding that the payment of compensation to the landowners was the only outstanding issue.
