MOTOR DEALERS IN AKWA IBOM SEEK GOV’T SUPPORT, ENDORSE UMO ENO FOR 2ND TERM
By Eme Arthur
The Akwa Ibom Motor Dealers Association (AKMDA) on Thursday, April 24, 2025, has endorsed Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State for second term in office.
Making the endorsement during a media parley with the leadership of the body in Uyo, last week, the Chairman of the association, Pastor Robert Bob, stated unequivocally that the association’s endorsement was in recognition of the Governor’s outstanding leadership and the positive impact of his Arise Agenda initiative, which has continued to transform lives across Akwa Ibom State.
In an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and optimism, the conference also featured an interactive session where reporters from various media houses raised pertinent industry questions, leading to a lively and insightful engagement with the association’s leadership and members.
Responding to a question regarding the recent proposal by the National Automotive Design and Development Council to ban the importation of vehicles older than 20 years, the AKMDA Chairman, Pastor Robert Bob, emphasized the need for stakeholder’s engagement before such major decisions are implemented.
“As car dealers, we are committed to serving the people,” he said. “Policy makers must consider the affordability needs of the average citizen. Not everyone can afford newer vehicles, engagement with stakeholders will allow for better and more inclusive policies.”
He further announced that the Automotive Council is scheduled to visit Akwa Ibom State in the coming months, with car dealers from across Nigeria expected to converge in Uyo for a national meeting, an event expected to boost the state’s economy through hospitality and tourism patronage.
Pastor Robert Bob
Chairman, Akwa Ibom Motor Dealers Association
Another pressing issue addressed at the conference was the allegation that some dealers refurbish vehicles and sell them as new. Mr. Austin Martin, a respected member of AKMDA, clarified that credible dealers value their reputations and prioritize integrity.
“Anyone who has a name to protect wil never indulge in shady practices,” he stated. “Most of the fraudulent acts are perpetrated by touts who are not members of our association. We advise the public to patronize registered, reputable dealers.”
Mr. Martin narrated a personal experience where he traveled to Lagos to source a vehicle for a customer but, finding none up to standard, returned the customer’s money rather than compromise his integrity. Adding to the discussion, Mr. Francis Finbarr noted that sometimes pressure from buyers fuels unethical behavior.
“An average Toyota Corolla today goes for about nine million naira, yet buyers insist on getting similar models for four million. This unrealistic demand tempts sellers, especially when financial pressures are involved,” he explained.
Mr. Finbarr urged car buyers to align their expectations with market realities and warned that the pursuit of excessively cheap deals often drives car theft and illegal markets.
“Life is in phases,” he added. “Today you trek, tomorrow you drive. Let’s buy within our means and reduce the demand that encourages crime.”
The association also used the opportunity to appeal to the state government for more support through partnership contracts for vehicle supplies, assuring that local dealers are willing to source funds independently and deliver quality services. Pastor Bob further stressed the importance of registering vehicles in Akwa Ibom State to boost internally generated revenue, urging citizens to take pride in their identity.
A major highlight of the event was a heartwarming moment when the entire association joined voices to sing a special rendition of Happy Birthday to Governor Umo Eno, who celebrated his birthday that same day. The gesture added a personal and emotional touch to the occasion, reaffirming the association’s strong bond and support for the Governor.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom Chapter, lauded AKMDA for their resilience despite facing high importation costs and stringent excise rates. He pledged that the media would continue to amplify the voices of business operators and advocate for stronger government-private sector collaborations to stimulate economic growth.
The event ended on a note of gratitude and renewed commitment to ethical business practices and the continued development of Akwa Ibom State.
