NEED FOR A STRENGTHENED SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION

Dear Editor,

NEED FOR A STRENGTHENED SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION

Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio was the only south-south governor conspicuously absent at the one-man, one-vote rally that took place in Benin 29/4/10. Even the Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke who is still recovering from vehicular accident was present, carrying POP bandage. Ironically Daily Independent and The Nation of 30/4/10 reported that Akpabio was having another rally at the Uyo International Airport arena same day, event arranged to welcome him back alive from 3-weeks (absence/visit) overseas where the volcanic ash disrupted air travels.

Many Nigerian governors including Amaechi, Oshiomhole, Ohakim, Akala and Yuguda also experienced such disruption but none held special assembly for coming home alive.   

Akwa Ibom is presently in court with Cross River and Rivers States on the ceded oil-wells. The revenue derivation sharing institution aided by the boundary adjustment commission, gave back 176 oil-wells to Akwa Ibom from Rivers (100) and Cross River (76). What transformed Akwa Ibom into an oil-producing-state that now prides it the highest federal allocation earner was made possible by IBB’s administration which took serious look at the plight and yearnings of Akwa Ibomites. The exercise which benefits not only Akwa Ibom State but also other littoral States came to a final push when the Lady of Songs, Christy Essien Igbokwe (MFR) pleaded for the abrogation of the obnoxious off/on shore oil dichotomy.

The absence of Governor Akpabio in Benin is his second this year. The first was the meeting of the south-south governors which was aimed at promoting tourism in the region. Akpabio neither was there nor sent a representative. Also reading Saturday Compass of 22/5/10 and Sunday Sun of 23/5/10, was a report on the meeting in Bayelsa of wives of the South-South Governors seeking for better maternal, child health status. Again it was only Akpabio’s wife that was conspicuously absent; not even sending a representative. Where then is the recently propagated south-south governors’ joint programme aimed at a common and strong front for a greater regional economic block?

Chief Barnabas Osuanlele, 189 Ikpoba Road, Benin City, Edo State.