August 03, (THEWILL) – The Obong-elect of Calabar, HRH Etubom Anthony Asuquo Ani, has pledged action on the over two-decades-old abandoned Calabar – Ikoneto Road.
The road project, which was initiated by the administration of General Sani Abacha, was aimed at easing access into some hard-to-reach areas of Odukpani LGA, including Adiabo, Creek Town and Ikoneto.
However, the project has been abandoned since 1998 and successive administrations have abandoned it, thereby causing untold hardship to residents of these areas, particularly the Adiabo people.
Although a bridge over the Cross River was partially completed, link roads on both ends of the bridge have not been completed, so the multi-billion naira project has been unutilised.
Speaking in his palace during a solidarity visit by the Ufok Ekpo Edem Effiom Okoho, the Obong-Elect promised to see to its completion.
He said since he is called the “Iberedem Adiabo,” he will not mind what has happened but see to its completion.
“Since I left office in 1998, that road has not been done. Since I am the Iberedem Adiabo and I love the people very well, I will not mind what has happened and will see to the completion of that road,” Etubom Ani said
He emphasised that he is dedicated to bringing an attitudinal change to the Efik Kingdom and within the next five years, things will change positively in the Efik Kingdom.
He emphasised that he did not sue the Obong of Calabar but the process that led to the emergence of the deposed Obong.
He explained that he sued the Etubom Traditional Council (represented by Etubom Esien Ekpenyong Efiok and Etubom Micah Archibong) as well as the Western Calabar Traditional Council (represented by Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu and Otu Efa Otu).
He added that the Supreme Court found merit in his case and said they should go back to the selection process with a clean slate, fairness, traditional justice and equity.
He reaffirmed his promise to build a new palace for the Efik Kingdom similar to Buckingham Palace within 36 months by God’s grace.
Earlier, the head of the Ekpo Edem Effiom Okoho House, HRH Etubom Dr. Edem Ironbar, said they came to celebrate with the Obong-elect on his emergence.
He added that God has brought Etubom Anthony Ani to lift the Efik Kingdom and the solidarity visit is to show that they are with him.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
