By Josephine Ekpa
The Labour Party governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State for the 2027 general elections, Akparawa Michael Bush, has pledged far-reaching institutional reforms, transparent public procurement and a people-centred development agenda if elected governor.
Bush made the commitments recently during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Uyo, where he presented his vision for the state’s future and solicited the support of Akwa Ibom people.
Unveiling what he described as an eight-point development agenda, the governorship candidate said his proposed administration would prioritise Access, Knowledge, Wealth, Advancement, Industrialisation, Business, Opportunities and Manpower, using the acronym AKWA IBOM as the framework for delivering inclusive development.
A major component of his proposed governance model is the commitment to strengthen local government autonomy, judicial independence and legislative autonomy in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and applicable laws.
He maintained that local governments must function as genuine centres of grassroots development, while the judiciary should be financially independent to dispense justice without political interference.
On legislative independence, Bush pledged to ensure that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly enjoys the freedom to perform its constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight and representation. He further promised to complete the long-running renovation of the Assembly complex within the first 100 days of his administration, if elected.
Addressing concerns about public financial management, the Labour Party candidate promised strict compliance with public procurement laws, insisting that government contracts would no longer serve as political rewards or instruments for enriching privileged individuals.
According to him, procurement processes under his proposed administration would be transparent, competitive and accountable, with contractors required to demonstrate the capacity to execute projects before receiving contracts. He also promised public disclosure of project costs, improved financial auditing and stronger expenditure-monitoring mechanisms to eliminate corruption and ensure value for money.
Raising questions about the management of the state’s resources, Bush estimated that the current administration might have received close to ₦4 trillion in public revenues, including federal allocations and internally generated revenue, and demanded greater accountability for the utilisation of such funds. He specifically questioned the expenditure and ownership arrangements surrounding the ARISE Palm Resort, calling for greater transparency.
On economic development, Bush advocated the revival of the state’s Science Park, describing technological advancement and investment in information and communications technology as essential to building an economy less dependent on monthly federal allocations. He also proposed the development of an Ibom Power Plant to support reliable electricity supply and the strengthening of the Akwa Ibom Water Company to improve access to potable water across the state.
Other priorities outlined in his programme include industrial revival, support for indigenous businesses, vocational and digital education, affordable housing, agricultural development, healthcare reform and employment opportunities for young people.
The candidate further promised a labour-friendly administration that would prioritise regular salary payments, improved working conditions, pension and gratuity reforms, and constructive engagement with organised labour.
Emphasising the need to develop local capacity, he said Akwa Ibom people should be adequately trained and positioned to benefit from opportunities in major economic projects, including Ibom Air and the proposed Ibaka Deep Seaport.
Bush, who described himself as a media entrepreneur with over 33 years of experience, said his professional background in manpower development, mentorship and enterprise creation had strengthened his conviction that the state could achieve more through purposeful leadership.
He urged the electorate to reject voter apathy and vote-selling, calling on the media to hold political leaders accountable and ensure that governance remains focused on the people’s welfare. He maintained that Akwa Ibom required leadership anchored on humility, transparency, competence and responsible management of public resources.
The proposals form part of Bush’s campaign commitments ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with their implementation dependent on his election and the resources and legal frameworks available to the proposed administration.