Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has urged the public to report anyone reselling kiosks at the Christmas Village above the government-approved rate of N100,000.
The governor, who issued the directive on Wednesday, vowed to address sharp practices and ensure fairness in the sales process.
Speaking at the unveiling of newly acquired waste management equipment at Itam in Itu Local Government Area, Eno disclosed that some individuals were reselling kiosks for as high as N300,000, a sharp deviation from the official price.
He said, “Now, I have credible intelligence that some people went and bought shops at the Christmas Village and are now re-selling them for as much as N300,000. If anybody tells you to pay N300,000, please report the person immediately.
“Anybody who is selling the shop, just take the shop, pay the person N100,000. If they ask for a balance, tell them to meet Umo Eno.”
The governor directed the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Charles Udoh, to address the issue immediately.
Eno also warned against the display of fetish masquerades and ritualistic performances during the Christmas season, emphasizing that such acts would not be tolerated.
“When you are packaging, local government leaders and stakeholders must get involved. We want to see our foods and a decent display of our values. We will not tolerate diabolical masquerades or promote rituals during the period,” Eno said.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to environmental hygiene, the governor reiterated his administration’s focus on maintaining Akwa Ibom’s reputation for cleanliness.
Eno announced plans to reward the cleanest local government areas and warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
He disclosed that a law would soon be enacted to prosecute individuals found guilty of poor sanitation practices.
“The Chairmen of local governments must collaborate closely with the Akwa Ibom State Waste Management Agency to ensure efficient service delivery,” the governor said.
The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Management Agency, Prince Ikim, lauded Eno for providing essential waste management equipment, stating that the gesture would improve the agency’s operations.
“With these tools, there will be no room for excuses. We are ready to hit the ground running,” Ikim said.
Similarly, the Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Ubong Nkut, expressed gratitude to the governor for initiating the Nnung Ukot Itam–Ikot Ekwere road project, describing it as a fulfillment of campaign promises.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of Clean Up Nigeria Limited, Baba Owo, praised the governor’s environmental initiatives, noting their significant impact on sustainability in the state.
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