US-Based Akwa Ibom Indigene Urges Gov. Eno To Prioritise Home Development Over Abuja Housing Plan
A United States–based indigene of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Mfon Umana-Ojei, has written an open letter to Governor Umo Eno, urging him to reconsider his plan to acquire lands and build houses in Abuja for Akwa Ibom residents.
In a letter titled, “Prioritising Development in Akwa Ibom State,” Mrs. Umana-Ojei commended the governor’s concern for the welfare of indigenes wherever they may reside, but cautioned that, channeling state funds into housing projects outside the state raises questions of fairness, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional boundaries.
She noted that, residents of Abuja fall under the administration of the Federal Capital Territory and pay taxes and levies to the FCT authorities, not to Akwa Ibom State.
According to her, “It would be difficult to justify using Akwa Ibom’s public funds to address housing needs in a jurisdiction that does not contribute to the state’s revenue base.
“It risks creating a situation where Akwa Ibom bears the cost while another authority receives the revenue,” she stated, describing it as “taking from one purse to fill another.”
Mrs. Umana-Ojei stressed that the state still has pressing needs at home, including improved housing, roads, healthcare facilities, schools, water supply, and job-creating investments across Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, Oron and rural communities.
She argued that every Naira spent outside the state is Naira not invested in local development warning of wider national implications.
She maintained that, if Akwa Ibom begins funding housing in Abuja, other states such as Lagos and Rivers could face similar pressures, potentially straining public finances and blurring constitutional responsibilities between states and the FCT.
“Relocating to Abuja remains a personal choice, just as moving to Lagos or Port Harcourt is. Just as Akwa Ibom does not build housing estates in those cities for its indigenes, the same principle should apply to Abuja,” she stated.
Mrs. Umana-Ojei however urged Governor Eno to channel resources into affordable housing and infrastructure within Akwa Ibom, noting that such investments would create local jobs, stimulate the economy, reduce housing deficits, and leave lasting developmental footprints across the state.
