The Unyenge Proposed Local Government Movement (UPLGM) has renewed its demand for the creation of Unyenge Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom.
The proposed council is to be carved out of the present Mbo Local Government Area and included in the proposed Obolo State.
The movement said the demand was driven by Unyenge’s strategic coastal location, population, geographical spread and growing development needs.
Convener of the movement, Cmrd. (Amb.) Harry Asuquo Johnson, said the proposed council would bring governance closer to the people.
Johnson said it would also provide an administrative framework for harnessing the area’s natural resources and economic opportunities.
In a statement on Wednesday, the group said Unyenge’s access to the Atlantic coastline offered significant opportunities in fishing, maritime commerce, trade and related activities.
It identified the Stubb Creek area as an important ecological and economic asset capable of supporting sustainable development.
The movement also cited oil and gas activities as evidence of Unyenge’s economic importance and investment potential.
It named Savannah Energy Resources Ltd., Universal Energy Resources Ltd. and Tulcan Oil & Gas Exploration/Production among companies operating or having interests in the area.
According to the group, activities associated with OML 14 and Stubb Creek further demonstrate the area’s contribution to the energy sector.
The movement also mentioned Shimoa Mining Investment Ltd., a Chinese company which it said extracts substantial quantities of black sand in Unyenge.
Beyond oil and mining, the group said fishing, farming, timber and trading remained major economic activities supporting livelihoods across the communities.
It argued that the combination of natural resources, commercial activities and coastal access justified the creation of a separate local government.
“Unyenge’s economic activities and natural resources require a governance structure capable of responding directly to the needs of the people,” it said.
The movement further pointed to the proposed Ibaka Deep Seaport as a potential catalyst for economic growth across the coastal corridor.
It said Unyenge could benefit from increased maritime activities, investment, trade and employment opportunities arising from the development.
The group, however, stressed that effective planning, infrastructure and appropriate government institutions would be required to convert the opportunities into tangible benefits.
It said a new local government would provide an administrative platform for attracting investment, improving infrastructure and coordinating development.
According to the movement, many communities in the proposed council depend largely on fishing, farming, trading and other rural economic activities.
It maintained that a separate administrative structure would improve access to government services, infrastructure and development programmes.
The movement also linked the proposal to improved security through stronger coordination between communities and security agencies.
Johnson urged the National Assembly and other relevant authorities to consider the demand as discussions on new local governments and Obolo State continue.
He said creating Unyenge LGA would bring governance closer to residents while unlocking the economic potential of its coastal communities.
The movement said it would continue pursuing the proposal through lawful and constitutional channels while engaging relevant stakeholders.
It listed dozens of villages and settlements proposed to constitute the new local government, including Uttit Antai, Udung Eyo, Njakat Unyenge and Udung Ise.
Others include Udung Akanim, Mbughu Unyenge, Esuk Unyenge, Udung Ekpima, Udung Ikpi Ikara, Atai, Okposo 1 and Itak Efa.
The list also contains Udung Abikang, Udung Udo, Udung Otoyo Otoyo, Udung Nsong Eyo, Udung Atte Efa, New Barrack and Atak Mmasang.
Other communities include Udung Nkan, Udung Ntekim, Okposo 2, Ine Matota, Uko Ede Akpa, Ine Akpautong and One Man Country.
The movement said the listed communities formed part of its broader proposal for an economically viable and administratively effective Unyenge Local Government Area.
CAPTION
Convener of the Unyenge movement, Comrade Harry Asuquo Johnson