Akwa Ibom Assembly begins probe of Udom Emmanuel’s administration

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has launched an investigation into the ownership of several companies established during former Governor Udom Emmanuel’s tenure.

The probe focuses on projects like the Saint Gabriel Coconut Refinery, named after Emmanuel’s late father, located in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

Besides the Saint Gabriel Coconut Refinery, other projects in Emmanuel’s Awa Iman community in Onna include a Flour Mill, Syringe Manufacturing Company, Plywood Company, toothpicks, and pencil manufacturing companies.

Most of these have shut down since Emmanuel left office on May 29, 2023.

Workers at the Saint Gabriel Coconut Refinery haven’t been paid for seven months, leading to them stopping work.

Hon. Uweh Peter Imoh-Ita moved a motion for the state government to pay these arrears.

Emmanuel’s administration acquired land for coconut plantations in Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo, and Ikot Abasi without compensating landowners.

He promised long-term benefits from coconut oil production.

Speaker Udeme Otong formed a joint committee with members from the House’s Agriculture, Natural Resources, Labour, and Productivity committees to determine if the refinery is state-owned or private.

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