Tinubu approves deep seaport, Governor Eno pledged two million votes for 2027

President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project and granted international airport status to Akwa Ibom State, following a request by Governor Umo Eno and a pledge that the state would deliver two million votes for the President’s re-election in 2027.

The announcement was made on Friday during a reception and rally held in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE REQUEST

Governor Eno, who described Tinubu as “my friend, my governor, my pastor,” made the case for the seaport directly to the President.”Give us Ibom Deep Seaport, we will deliver two million votes.

This deep seaport is capable of unlocking the economy of the state, the South-South region and Nigeria at large,” Eno said .

He described the project as the most important economic demand of the people of Akwa Ibom, saying it would transform the state’s maritime, industrial, and employment landscape.

Eno recalled that the project, originally conceived during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City, had remained unrealised for decades despite featuring in successive presidential campaigns .

THE APPROVAL

Tinubu, who was in the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Eno administration, responded to the request with characteristic showmanship.

“I heard from my friend, my governor, my pastor, on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, request for Ibom’s deep-sea port,” Tinubu said .

After repeating the request, the President asked the crowd, “Will you vote?”He subsequently declared, “Okay, it’s approved”.

Tinubu also confirmed that he had approved the request for international airport status for the state .

THE POLITICAL CONTEXT

The rally was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Eno, and other party leaders. Tinubu was seen dancing to the APC’s viral “On Your Mandate” campaign anthem.

The approval followed Eno’s assurance that Akwa Ibom had aligned with the Federal Government by joining the APC to attract greater federal presence and development to the state.

WHY IT MATTERS

The approval of the Ibom Deep Seaport is a significant economic decision that could transform Akwa Ibom’s fortunes.

For decades, the project has been a dream deferred. Now, it has a presidential approval. If it is implemented, it could create thousands of jobs, attract investment, and position Akwa Ibom as a major maritime hub.

But the timing is notable. The approval came at a political rally, after a governor pledged votes for the President’s re-election. It is a reminder that in Nigeria, infrastructure and politics are rarely separated.

For Tinubu, the approval is a political victory. For Eno, it is a promise kept. For the people of Akwa Ibom, it is a hope renewed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Whether the seaport becomes a reality, or remains another campaign promise, is the question that will define the next four years. ValidViewNetwork reports