Udom Emmanuel: We’ll implement the recommendations of post-COVID-19 economic panel

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom, says the state will commence the implementation of recommendations of the Post-COVID-19 economic reconstructions submitted to him recently.

Speaking during a live radio and television interview, the governor disclosed that he has already made his executive summary on the post COVID-19 economic reconstruction of the state and promised to do everything possible to begin implementation of those recommendations.

“There are plans to have the recommendations activated, especially the low hanging fruits so that the people can begin to reap the benefits,” he said.

Emmanuel accused the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) of frustrating his effort in ensuring Akwa Ibom people have access to power at least 21 hours everyday.

He noted that there is no single day Ibom Power Company does not generate 115megawatts of electricity, yet PHEDC would not distribute power to Akwa Ibom people.

“I have enough power to give our people minimum of 21 hours but the PHEDC people are not helping us. They keep taking our power but keep telling us that our people are not paying bills and they refuse to give them power,” he said.

Emmanuel expressed concern over the closure of schools , but assured residents of the state that once there is green light in conquering COVID-19, schools will reopen.

“I am really concerned about the education of our children. Not all parents can afford the smart phones for online learning. And I am not so sure and satisfied that the Radio school programme is sufficient especially for all the final year pupils and Students who are going to write WAEC,” he said.

“We are looking for local solutions. We will localize the intervention. Once we are able to come out with a local solution to this pandemic, we will open up schools. We are still studying the COVID-19 curves.

“I am really concerned about the education of our children I can’t allow our children to stay out of school for such a long time. I want our medical team to localize a solution on how we can open up schools.”

He warned residents of the state that curfew starts from 8pm to 6am, adding that anybody caught around that time will be treated as a criminal.