Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Akwa Ibom Business Community, AIBC, has warned that members will no longer tolerate being pushed aside both in policies and in governance.
The group said it has launched a vigorous sensitization of its over 500,000 members on the way to go in the forthcoming elections.
It added that the members have resolved to only work and vote for those who have the right business policies and are ready to work with the community in 2023.
The President of the association, Mr. Lordson Umani, addressing a world press conference on Monday, in Uyo, the State capital, lamented that factories of some entrepreneurs in the State were in various stages of decay, dysfunction and outright closure due to unfavorable policies.
He said, “it is necessary to let the world know that overtime we have been undermined and pushed aside both in policies and governance and we want the government both the present and the incoming to know that it is not going to be business as usual as Akwa Ibom Business Community has come together, to tell those in politics and intending ones that to neglect us at this time is to their peril.
“We have began strong sensitization of our over 500,000 members to vote only people that have right business policies and are ready to work with us in 2023.”
Umani also said lack of government funding and patronage, multiple taxations and inadequate utilities were some of the challenges crippling business organisations in the State, even as he called on government to put in place adequate policy measures to save the sector from imminent collapse.
On how to address the pressing issues, Umani said, “Government should set up an intervention fund as a deliberate policy in form of grants and loans to assist deserving industries and SMEs in the organised business sector.
“Government should also make a deliberate policy on patronising locally produced good and services where applicable, as this will give the producers opportunity and encouragement to stand out in a competitive market.
“Also, promotion of locally produced goods at any government projects will facilitate growth and expansion, as well as exposing the producers to a larger market that leads to employment opportunity in the society.”
He also lamented the poor power supply and high cost of diesel.
“Efforts should be intensified at improving the delivery of critical utilities- power is a burden to the industrialists.
“Presently, the conditions are unbearable; insufficient/ very low power supply and cost of diesel and fuel are something we cannot mention. Applicable and appropriate laws should be put in place to check multiple taxation and levies by local agents,” he added.
