A’Ibom Warns Against Illegal Structures along Proposed Road Projects Site 

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Akwa Ibom State government has warned that it will not tolerate erection  of illegal structures along  proposed road project site in the state urging such action to stop. 

The Senior Special Assistant to the State  Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, spoke while reacting to spate of unapproved structures springing up along the Afaha Offiong (Nsit Ibom)-Itreto (Nsit Ubium) Road project executed by the state government.

“Anyone who builds illegal structures along roads designated for construction and expansion will likely suffer monumental losses as government will not be driven by sentiments to part with public funds.

“While Governor Umo Eno is passionate about building and expanding infrastructure, especially to open up rural communities, he will not patronise shenanigan attempts to cook up illegal structures on project corridors, with a view to extorting funds from Government,” he warned.   

Ndueso expressed concern over the mushroom buildings springing up in the area, weekend, warning that “Government will not condone antics meant to milk it for pseudo-projects.” 

“Illegal structures built along the right of way will be demolished without hesitation to pave the way for road projects.  

“His Excellency, the governor has proposed the dual carriage way for Nung Udoe – Afaha Nsit Road to open up Ibesikpo and Nsit Ibom local government areas, and has also announced another dualization for Afaha Offiong – Itreto Road for the Agrarian communities within Nsit Ibom through Nsit Ubium.

“That is the axis you have the Ibom Model Farm. And that is serious development springing up in those areas. As indigenes and primary beneficiaries, it is expedient for the indigenes to welcome this initiative with open arms rather than attempting to frustrate government efforts with shambolic demands,” Ndueso said.He cautioned that such hasty constructions would not derail the government’s agenda to implement meaningful projects for the benefit of Akwa Ibom residents.  

“Once the bulldozers move in to establish the right of way, no amount of wailings, sentiments or traditional injunctions would prevail against the humming sound of the marauding machines.

“The Governor’s rural development plans will not be compromised by selfish interests,” he added.  

Highlighting the high cost of building materials, including cement at N9,800 and a tipper load of sand at N45,000, the media aide warned against the financial losses individuals would incur when such structures are inevitably removed without any compensation.  

He  emphasised that Governor Umo Eno’s administration prioritizes initiatives that support small and medium-scale enterprises and align with the ARISE agenda, and urged communities to embrace development projects rather than obstruct progress with unapproved constructions.