This year’s Christmas Unplugged celebration in Akwa Ibom which takes place from December 1 to January 1, 2025 in Uyo, the state capital, has been hit by an alleged scandal involving inflated cost of shops.
The celebration is always the defining moment in the one month-long activities marking the Christmas and the new year festivities.
It provides an atmosphere for relaxation, entertainment and fun with commercial activities as vendors from paid stalls making brisk money selling food, drinks and roasted beef of all sorts.
While the stalls built by the state government are acquired at a cost of N100,000 each, it was gathered that some people, after acquiring the kiosks at the government approved price decided, to sell them at N300,000 to desperate members of the society.
Those who buy the stalls hope to recoup their investment through sales of various goods and products during the period.
With the high cost of living and inflation which has affected the purchasing power of many Nigerians, it is doubtful how many of those who acquired the kiosks would be able to realise any returns on their investment.
Reacting to the scandal, Governor Umo Eno warned that he will deal decisively with anyone involved in illegal sales of kiosks to the public at inflated prices adding that such people would face stiff penalties
“Now, I have credible intelligence that some people went and bought some shops at the Christmas village and are now re-selling for as much as N300,000.”
“If anybody tells you to pay N300,000, please report the person immediately.”
“Anybody who is selling the shop, just take the shop, pay the person N100,000, if he asks you for balance tell them to meet Umo Eno”.
He said he has directed the commissioner for Culture and Tourism to correct the anomaly immediately
On displays in the Christmas village by the respective local government areas, he said that as a Christian, he will not tolerate any diabolical masquerade, nor will he promote rituals.
“When you are packaging, local government leaders, stakeholders, get involved. We want to see our foods and the decent display of our values”, he quipped.
The Governor who spoke while taking delivery of sanitation equipment said Akwa Ibom State is renowned for its spotless streets and general hygiene practices which is why the state government is determined to maintain this reputation by investing in equipment to support waste management.