Eket Council Boss Opens Door to Criticism, Unveils Infrastructure Projects

Eket Council Boss Opens Door to Criticism, Unveils Infrastructure Projects

– Pledges IIJ sponsorship for media practitioners as EFCMP applauds performance

The Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Hon. Akaninyene Tommey, has reaffirmed his commitment to quality service delivery and infrastructural development, declaring that his administration operates an open-door policy that welcomes constructive criticism in the interest of good governance.

Speaking when the Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals (EFCMP) paid him a courtesy visit at his lodge on Friday, Hon. Tommey expressed appreciation to the group for its support and assured residents that his administration would continue to pursue people-oriented projects until the expiration of his tenure.

The council boss said infrastructure remains the cornerstone of his administration in line with the ARISE Agenda of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, explaining that the ongoing remodelling of the council secretariat became necessary because the existing structure no longer met the demands of modern administration.

He disclosed that work was also progressing on a permanent legislative complex to provide befitting offices for councillors, noting that the present facility could no longer accommodate the legislature and executive arm, particularly during budget presentations.

According to him, the council hall is equally undergoing extensive renovation to meet contemporary standards.

On the deteriorating condition of the Model Primary School, Idung Offiong, Tommey said he had already constituted a team to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the facility to determine the level of intervention required.

He urged media practitioners to always seek clarification on government activities before publication to guard against misinformation and announced plans to sponsor some media professionals from Eket Federal Constituency to the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) to strengthen their professional capacity.

“We are determined to leave Eket better than we met it. My administration will continue to welcome constructive criticism because it helps us serve the people better. We will also continue to invest in the capacity of our media professionals, as they remain critical partners in development,” Tommey said.

The chairman also commended Governor Umo Eno for the developmental strides across the state and called on the media to sustain their support for his administration, the governor and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Earlier, the Chairman of Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals, Comrade Enobong Nsima, commended Tommey for what he described as purposeful leadership and visible developmental projects across the council area.

Nsima said the group had independently assessed the performance of the administration and was satisfied with the achievements recorded so far, while encouraging the chairman to sustain the momentum.

He also appealed for support towards sponsoring members of the association to the International Institute of Journalism to enhance their professional competence.

“We have carefully assessed your administration and we are impressed with the visible projects and inclusive leadership style. We encourage you to do even more and also support the professional development of media practitioners through IIJ training,” he said.

The visit ended with members of the association touring ongoing projects, including the new legislative building, the remodelled council secretariat and the council hall, where they expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and the administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal.