Social media users are demanding to know the long term value of the International Worship Centre project, embarked upon by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel.
The governor had on Tuesday shared photos of his inspection tour of the project on his verified Facebook page.
He captioned the photos of the giant structure, “Today I visited the ongoing International Worship Centre project in Uyo. The quality of the work done is commendable and it is the best of its kind in the world.
“In addition to other key infrastructure and industries we are building, we as a people are raising an altar for our God, even for generations yet unborn.”
His feelings were however not shared by his followers who expressed concern about the value proposition of the project.
Facebook user, Bassey Inyang said, “This project is complete waste of public funds that should have been channelled to the education and health sectors of the state. The uselessness of the so-called Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, especially the Christian section should have informed you against embarking on this useless project that would make no meaning to competing churches and clerics.”
Victor Ntekop , “Question what is the effect of this worship centre to the people of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria to our economy?
Another Facebook user, Otto Ikpe wondered about the input of the local industries in the project. He asked, “How many indigenous contractors are engaged here? What is the level of local content patronage? Julius Berger has done so many projects in Akwa Ibom State. What investment have they done in the state from the proceeds of all these big contracts which will touch the lives of Akwa Ibom people in diverse ways? Capital flight is the reason why poverty is on the rise in Akwa Ibom.”
Inyanwachi Emmanuel was more direct in what ways the governor could have put public funds to use. He wrote, “What is all this naaa? Why not use the money to build industries, to employ your people? People are hungry and jobless in this country and all you think about is a multi-million dollar church?”
Face book user, Memie Josh quite respectfully told the governor, “Sir, we do not need more worship centres!!! We need strong educational systems, accessible and affordable healthcare and industries!”
On the flip side, there are those who support the governor’s move and hailed him,
Umoh Joseph wrote, “If God made a mistake in blessing King Solomon for building a temple for Him, may He also make another mistake in blessing you Your Excellency for also building a temple for Him in our state. Kudos Sir!
Another supporter of the governor, John Friday Akpata wrote, “No matter what you do, some people will still have some misgivings, soldier on my good governor. Well done. You know is written in both heaven and on earth because God never jokes with them that raise altar unto Him. Look at Obasanjo, and his completion of the Abuja ecumenical centre, he is alive and kicking. You are on the right path Mr governor.”
(C) The Punch
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