A call has gone to Federal Government to establish an oil refinery in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill O. Akpabio who made the call Saturday at Youths’ rally by Eket Federal Constituency Youths Forum held at QIC Primary School, Eket, said this was necessary in view of the oil-bearing nature of the area.

Akpabio recalled that the Akwa Ibom Government had banked $10million for the establishment of Amakpe Refinery in Eket with the hope that the management of the company would have accessed $100million from an American based company.

He expressed surprise that the Amaekpe Refinery management has not been forthcoming in establishing the refinery even after the state government has fulfilled its obligation, noting “we have waited for too long for the management to access the fund and establish the refinery.”

On the Eket-Ibeno Road, he promised to enter into negotiation with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to partner with the State Government to dualise the road, promising to dualise Eket-Etinan- Ekom Iman Road in his second term in office.

The Governor noted that he has not done enough in the development of core communities remembering their valued contributions to the economic growth of the state and the country at large.

The Minister of Housing, Lands and Surveys, Rt. Hon Ndueso Essien declared that Akpabio supporters are many and condemned the activities of kidnappers who attempted to stop the rally, advising them euphemistically to rather kidnap the the Akwa Ibom International Airport, Flyovers, Governor’s Lodge, Uyo and their infrastructure completed by the present administration.

Rt. Hon. Essien who encouraged the Governor to ignore critics but to vigorously pursue the development of the state called on the State Government to liaise with the Federal Government in the establishment of an export-oriented refinery in Eket.

The State Chairman of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, Edidem Tom Timtingiko Papa Enodien commended the Youths for the rally and described the governor as the most popular governor in the country due to his outstanding achievements.

Edidem Enodien who is also the Paramount Ruler of Eket, said he doubted the person who would challenged Akpabio in 2011 general elections hinted that he is writing a book soon to be released which may include some of the Governor’s good works.

A women leader in the area, Obonganwan Mary Attah thanked the Governor for the construction of new roads in the area, renovation of Primary schools and Health centres as well as payment of 15 percent salary increase to Primary school teachers but appealed for greater welfare scheme to women.

Earlier, chairman of Eket Federal Constituency Youths Forum, Usoro Usoro had said the rally was to validate Godswill in Eket Federal Constituency through commendation, confirmation and support.

Usoro, who is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, thanked the governor for making Akwa Ibom a model and a preferred destination as well focused leadership and the successful hosting of Mr. President.