Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has declared a state of emergency in the power sector, underscoring the need for stable electricity supply to support his administration’s ARISE Agenda. Speaking at the EXCO Ministerial Briefing and End-of-Year Review in Uyo, Eno stressed that reliable electricity is crucial to the state’s development goals.
He announced plans to convene a Power Summit between January and March 2025 to address the sector’s challenges and propose solutions, including the establishment of a Power Infrastructure Committee.
The Governor expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s N40 billion debt to Acugas, the gas supplier for the Ibom Power Plant, and criticized the former Managing Director, Engr Meyen Etukudo, who was dismissed for publicly blaming the gas company for power outages. Eno called for a more responsible approach, noting that the debt should have prompted a plea for resolution, rather than public accusations.
The Governor also condemned the former MD’s decision to hand over operations to a contractor during his leave, calling it an unacceptable move. He reaffirmed his commitment to achieving 24-hour power supply, which he believes will drive the state’s economic growth.
Eno commended the efforts of the Commissioner for Power, Engr Camillus Umoh, in shifting the operations of the Ibom Power Company towards a more effective model. Key stakeholders, including Chief Nduese Essien, Chief Sunny Udom, and Rt. Hon Peter Linus Umoh, praised the Governor for his transparency and commitment to improving the state’s power infrastructure.
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