As the 2027 general elections approach, Comrade Victor Mkpofor, a socio-political activist and President of the Oro Renewal Group, has warned that the Oron people may not support Governor Umo Enos re-election bid.
According to Mkpofor, this withdrawal of support hinges on the lack of tangible progress regarding the long-delayed Ibom Deep Sea Port project and the take-off of the University of Maritime Studies in Oron Nation.
Speaking on the political future of the Oro ethnic nationality, Comrade Mkpofor argued that successive administrations have repeatedly promised to deliver strategic maritime projects in the area without producing results that benefit the local population.
He asserted that the Oron Nation, which hosts the proposed seaport corridor and possesses some of the most strategic coastal land in Nigeria, deserves more than ceremonial announcements.
“Oro should oppose Eno’s second term in office at all costs until work on the seaport is ongoing and the University of Maritime Studies, which was passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, begins functioning as approved. Otherwise, no Oro vote should go to Eno,” Mkpofor stated.
He further noted, “It has been nearly four years since President Buhari assented to the Bill establishing the university.
“Public records show that all arrangements are in place for the institution to commence operations. An assessment team from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministries of Education and Marine & Blue Economy visited the site in 2024 and made a strong case for its commencement. The question is: what is delaying its take-off?”
Mkpofor emphasized that the Ibom Deep Sea Port remains the most critical economic project for both the Oro Federal Constituency and Akwa Ibom State due to its potential to transform the region into a major maritime and industrial hub.
Although first conceived over two decades ago, the project remains in the procurement and full business case stage despite securing necessary regulatory approvals and environmental assessments.
While Governor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his commitment to the project by engaging investors, signing agreements, and planning for phased implementation, full-scale construction has yet to commence.
WatchmanPost reports that the governor continues to pursue investor partnerships to actualize the project. However, for Mkpofor, the time for promises has passed.
“For decades, our people have listened to promises. What they want now is visible construction, job opportunities, and economic transformation,” he said.
He also expressed frustration at the absence of a functional maritime university which has denied local youths the opportunity to participate in Nigerias growing blue economy.
He alleged that political manipulation and a lack of assertive advocacy from Oro representatives within the current state government have hindered the institutions progress.
“This is not a fault-finding mission. However, it is clear that those representing the Oro people in this government have not done enough to table our concerns before the governor. They appear to be in government for personal gain rather than the interest of the people,” Mkpofor claimed.
Maritime experts have long supported the view that the Ibom Deep Sea Port would significantly boost Nigeria’s port capacity, attract foreign direct investment, and create thousands of jobs.
Analysts further note that the port is strategically positioned to dominate regional trade routes across the Gulf of Guinea and Central Africa.
Mkpofor insisted that the 2027 governorship election must be viewed through the lens of measurable development rather than political loyalty. He urged Oro voters to use their electoral strength to demand concrete progress.
“As 2027 approaches, the conversation should not be about political sentiments, but about what has been delivered.
“The seaport and the University of Maritime Studies are projects that can change the destiny of the Oron Nation, and Akwa Ibom people deserve to see visible results”, he concluded.
