By Solomon OKPO
A concerned citizen of Eket, Peters Buhari, has called on Hon. David Lawrence, a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, to explain the fate of the once-promising Yiwu China Market project in Eket.
In an open letter made public, Buhari expressed deep disappointment over the abandonment of the project, which was initially hailed as a major economic booster for the region. He recalled the enthusiasm and trust that Hon. Lawrence inspired among residents and investors when he championed the project during his tenure.
βWhen the Yiwu China Market project was introduced in Eket, it brought with it a powerful wave of hope, hope for jobs, hope for local and international trade, and hope for a better economy in our community,” Buhari wrote.
However, he lamented that the site now lies in ruins, with no jobs created and no economic benefits realized. According to Buhari, many local investors who committed resources to the project have suffered significant financial losses.
Buhari posed several pressing questions to the former lawmaker:
What went wrong with the Yiwu China Market project?
Why was it abandoned after so much excitement and investment?
What became of the funds and resources committed by investors?
Are there any plans for revival or compensation?
He also challenged Hon. Lawrence to break his silence, urging him to address the matter transparently and restore public trust.
“Leadership is not just about celebrating successes, it is also about standing up in difficult moments and taking responsibility,” Buhari stated. “Eket deserves the truth. Akwa Ibom deserves answers.”
The letter ends on an appeal for Hon. Lawrence to speak out, insisting that it is not too late to show accountability and make a difference.
The Yiwu China Market project, once envisioned to position Eket as a major trading hub, remains one of the region’s most poignant examples of unfulfilled promises.
Our Correspondent efforts to reach Hon. David Lawrence for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
