Newsfront Online …Telling the Public as it is
By Monday Akpan
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works who is also the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone F South-South, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-Eyen has thrown more lights into the alleged feud between the Akwa Ibom State government and the Niger Delta Development commission (NDDC).
At the maiden edition of the Union monthly congress for 2018, which took place at the press centre located at information drive, off IBB Avenue, Uyo, Mr. Inyang debunked the rumors that his men drove away the contractors of the NDDC at the site thereby denying the State a chance in benefitting from the commission’s contribution in developing the State.
The commissioner explained that in the date in question, he went to site alone and wanted certain clarifications on the contractual matters which the contractors were not able to provide him with appropriate answer. He denied any physical or forceful ejection of contractors from the site adding that the people only left the work site on their own and never as a result of any fracas. The vibrant Works Commissioner condemned the unprofessional attitude of contactors handling NDDC projects whom he accused of using substandard materials in executing jobs which hardly stand the test of time.
Mr. Inyang Eyen used the occasion and praised the indigenous companies handling government projects across the State pointing out that these men not only deliver their assigned projects on time but also based on specifications. He commended the State governor, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel for giving the indigenous companies a chance to try their hands on these jobs and opined that they compete favourably with their foreign counterparts.
Akparawa Inyang Eyen extended his right hand of fellowship to members of the fourth estate of the realm for choosing him to be part of the Union by making him Grand patron in the pen pushing business and vowed to contribute meaningfully towards the growth of the profession. He thanked them for ensuring that every part of the State is eventually covered and urged them to be more committed, factual reportage to enhance peaceful co-existence of every community in and outside the State.
The Works Commissioner who promised to visit all the State councils of the Union within the zone implored Journalists to partner with the government with a view to promoting and delivering the dividends of democracy to every nook and crannies of the society.
Also speaking, the chairman of Akwa Ibom State council of the NUJ, Elder Patrick Albert assured the commissioner of the Union’s preparedness to work with the government. He thanked the Governor Udom administration for giving two hundred and fifty Journalists the opportunity of benefitting from the health insurance scheme and hoped that the gesture will be extended to include other Journalists and their spouses.
