Deep Seaport: Resolve Seaport Controversy Through Dialogue, Ibibio Elders Forum Advises

Proffering solution to the lingering controversy surrounding the location and implementation of the proposed Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State is a frontline sociocultural and development organization, Adaha Ibibio also known as Ibibio Elders Forum.

The forum said dialogue should be used in resolving underlying grievances and implored all “parties to make genuine effort to resolve contending issues and to encourage the project proponents and investors for the successful implementation of the Ibom Deep Sea Port for the overall benefit of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and the world at large.”

The forum’s press statement as signed by Dr. Emmanuel Akpanobong and Citizen Matthew K. Okono, Chairman and Secretary-General of the organization, affirmed that the successful implementation of the Ibom Deep Sea Port will bring development, unity and progress.

To this end, the forum disclosed that having “watched with great discomfort and bewilderment the controversies arising from the planned actualization of the Ibom Deep Sea Port”, observed that issues bordering on the matter have been blown out of proportion.

“In order not to frustrate an all-time economically transformative investment, we call on all concerned stakeholders to allow for the peaceful resolution of critical concerns already expressed with unflinching understanding and deep sense of patriotism,” they further advised.

President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Udom Emmanuel were lauded by the group for fostering the actualization of the seaport.