BREAKING: Akwa Ibom Assembly Begins Probe of Ex-Governor Udom Emmanuel

The Akwa Ibom State House Assembly has initiated a probe into the ownership of companies established during the administration of former governor Udom Emmanuel. This investigation comes in the wake of the collapse of several projects, including the Saint Gabriel Coconut Refinery in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, where workers have reportedly not been paid for seven months.

Other ventures such as a flour mill, syringe manufacturing plant, plywood factory, and toothpick and pencil production facility have also been shut down since Emmanuel left office in May 2023. Speaker Udeme Otong announced the formation of a joint panel to determine whether the refinery and related enterprises belong to the state or a private owner.

The probe was initiated following a motion by Hon Uweh Peter Mkpat Enin, who urged the state government to pay the outstanding salaries of the refinery workers and clarify their employment status. This investigation also coincides with an unresolved dispute over land acquired for a coconut plantation in Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo, and.