C’River, A’ Ibom Seek Economic Integration

Concerned over the present economic realities in the country, Cross River and Akwa Ibom State governments have resolved to synergize efforts in order to galvanize the economic potentials in their states for the good of their Citizens.
Some identified areas of possible collaboration between the two states according to the governors are agriculture, solid minerals, oil and gas as well as the manufacturing-sub sector.
The two governors made the disclosure during a private visit by Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom to his Cross River counterpart, Governor Ben Ayade, during a closed door meeting which had in attendance the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Ben Ayade stated “We have raised concerns about frontier explorations because very little is being done in the direction of trying to expand the oil reserves and production in the direction of Cross River State and other parts of the Niger Delta.”
According to Ayade, “I must say also that our discussions and emphasis was on how to deepen the unity between us, strengthen the South-South love in relationship to the Nigerian Question and we have agreed that very soon, we would call a meeting with the South-South leaders to finalize on the matter.”
He noted that “We have come a long way and we are a very good example of what unity should be. We must demonstrate that through this unity and bond, we are telling the world that Cross River and Akwa Ibom are one.”
Continuing, Ayade said, “we must have a forum where the Governors of the South-South and members of the National Assembly as well as other South-South leaders must discuss the National Question.”
“Let me use this medium to commend the President for the Ikot Ekpene and Odukpani road contract that has been awarded. It is one special point that we reached an agreement that we from Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States will go as a team to pay a visit to Mr. President and thank him for the project that we have been waiting for in a long time,” Ayade acknowledged.
He thanked Governor Udom for commiserating with the state over the football viewing center tragedy that claimed nine lives with scores severely wounded.
On his part, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom affirmed: “We are looking at possible economic frontiers between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States for the development of both states. Rather than engage in war, we want to channel the vast energies into useful ventures to better the lots of our people as we cannot continue to pay lip service to poverty alleviation.”

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar