Akwa Ibom State Government plans to construct 10,000 housing units in the state before 2015.

Already, the government is constructing 2,000 housing units in each of the three senatorial districts of the state.

Governor Godswill O. Akpabio who stated this Tuesday when the elders of Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area led by Air Vice Marshal Nsikak Eduok (rtd.) paid him a courtesy visit at Governor's Lodge, Uyo said this was to address the housing needs of the people.

Akpabio further stated that the state government has awarded contract worth about N12 billion for the construction of a second taxi way in Akwa Ibom International Airport, Uyo.

On the Ibaka Industrial City, he hinted that the Federal Government would soon present Free Trade Zone licence to the state government for the commencement of a 25-year Development Plan in the city sitting on 14,000 hectares that will consist of fertilizer plant, refinery, hospital and schools, among other facilities.

The Governor also announced plans by the government to introduce new town planning laws to cope with the developmental challenges of the emerging Uyo metropolis.

Chief Akpabio described the area as a political think-tank of the state and thanked the people for ably supporting his re-election bid in the 2011 governorship elections.

He said in reciprocation of the support, his administration awarded contract for dualisation of Aka-Nung Udoe Road with many appurtenances, assuring that the road would be commissioned by May this year.

The State Chief Executive equally announced the on-going construction of the third Ring Road, three other flyovers and Olympic-sized sports stadium in the state.

On the forthcoming local government elections in the state, the Governor assured them that in line with democratic tenets, they would be allowed to select and elect leaders of their choice, advising them to appeal to their children to refrain from criminal activities.

Earlier, Air Vice Marshall Eduok (rtd.) had commended the Governor for his gigantic development projects in the state particularly the construction of Aka-Nung Udoe Road and assured him of their support and cooperation.

Eduok announced that on March 12, this year, the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, Chief Ita Etuk, formed ''Uyo Ibesikpo-Asutan'' group to formulate the development agenda of the area, while the group met on March 29 and came out with a communiqué.

He attributed rancour, bitterness, robbery, murder and kidnapping in the area to poor leadership, noting ''The leaders are selfish and insensitive to the plights of the people''.

The retired air chief requested the Governor to allow them play a major role in selecting and electing responsible leaders at the grassroots level who will hearken to their yearnings and aspirations, remarking ''If the people are give opportunity to choose their representatives, things would be better''.