On Wednesday, June 4, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State announced a State of Emergency on the operations of the Ibom Paint factory, a once-moribund facility located in Etinan Local Government Area. The move comes as part of his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the company, previously known as Peacock Paints.
While commissioning the newly renovated production plant, Governor Eno also named his Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurial Development, Ime Uwah, as the sole administrator of the company. This decision, he explained, was intended to provide focused leadership and eliminate operational distractions at the factory.
According to a report by Vanguard, the governor commended Uwah for his dedication throughout the factory’s overhaul process. He also applauded the Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob, for his role in driving the government’s vision of restoring the once-defunct paint manufacturer.
Reflecting on the decision to intervene, Governor Eno recalled: “A few months ago, during one of our project review meetings, the issue of resuscitating Ibom Paint came up. I asked Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob if it was possible to really revive this place. He responded, ‘Yes, we can.’ What this place needed was dynamic management, free from distractions, and that is what it now has.”
He continued: “I have declared a State of Emergency on Ibom Paint, and the Sole Administrator is Honourable Ime Uwah. He is the one running this factory and has produced results in the last three months. This place will engage our young people, and it is important we keep it alive.”
Governor Eno further directed all contractors managing state government projects to patronize Ibom Paint for their supplies, assuring that his administration remains committed to collaborating with AKICORP to restore the viability of all state-owned enterprises.
In a related development, it’s worth noting that this intervention follows a similar proclamation by President Bola Tinubu, who declared a state of emergency in Rivers State earlier in March. During a nationwide broadcast on March 18, Tinubu also announced the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara and his deputy for six months amidst a political crisis in the state.
As outlined by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, a state of emergency is declared when a situation poses a threat to national safety or stability, allowing for the temporary suspension of standard constitutional procedures to restore order.
