₦airaland Forum

by Essien Ndueso

In Akwa Ibom State, a crass desperation has led the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Mr. Nsima Ekere, into the assumption that the people of the state are gullible to empty lies and gross fake promises.

Mr Ekere whose desperation to be governor has seen him embark on campaign of calumny, wild accusations and outright resort to cheap blackmail, took his jaundiced worldview to shocking heights when he told a bewildered public that he'll provide local government autonomy if elected governor.

Since the NDDC man made the promise, not a few people have alluded to what has been widely known before now to the effect that the APC gubernatorial candidate and his party have no cogent plans for the state nor the people except the wild goose chase of political power in order to put the state on a reverse gear.

As a man who claims to know a lot, it is preposterous and beffudling that Nsima Ekere could, before the public, make such a bizarre promise.
For one, it shows clearly that the man is simply out of sync with reality and the law, so much that he can spew anything as campaign promise just to sway the people.

But Akwa Ibomites know better. They have seen through these 21st century deception, the fake and vague promises hence are better positioned to choose between moving forward and plunging the state into the abyss of confusion with a band of desperate hawks whose plan is to return our state to the dark age of politically motivated assassinations, kidnappings and other sundry but despicable vices, which walked on all fours on our streets.

If this is not their plan, it's difficult to come to grasp with Mr Ekere's pledge that he'll restore local government autonomy as soon as he becomes governor. Does he not know that this issue is a constitutional matter and is not within the powers of a governor to determine?

Why should the APC standard bearer stoop so low to utter such embarrassing and unpardonable statement? It points to one fact: these people do not mean well for our state. Such empty, warped and patently misguided promise brings back memories of 2011, when 31 industries were once promised the people of Akwa Abasi Ibom State.

Today, the people can judge for themselves how many of the 31 industries are cited in their domains as was promised. Curiously, it is the same people that have formed a desperate alliance to once again churn out unrealistic promises in order to hoodwink the people again. But the people are now wiser and will vehemently and unanimously reject these men whose voices drip with deception upon a body language that reeks of war.

It's the same Nsima Ekere that had the false stamina to say he'll build real industries in the state. And one is led to wonder, does APC and its governorship candidate think Akwa Ibomites are so poorly lettered? The man has not told Akwa Ibom people what and how real industries look like. Apparently out to promise anything to earn votes, he steps on the soapbox and says just anything as if he's addressing toddlers. He forgets that his ability to create industries, can be measured by the number of factories and job opportunities brought about when he served as the Chairman of the state investment and industrial clearing house, the Akwa Ibom State Investment and Industrial Promotion Council, AKIIPOC and later as deputy governor during the 8 years reign of Governor Akpabio. There were none of course.

One had thought that the tomfoolery of the APC and its candidate will have some level of restraint, but Nsima Ekere has given the clearest indication yet that he has neither vision nor mission for the state. And he can't even pretend otherwise. Sad!

Nsima goofed big time when he said he'll grant autonomy to local governments. How can a gubernatorial candidate not understand the workings of Nigerian constitution? Autonomy for LG is a constitutional issue and only amendment can effect that.

Nsima Ekere cannot claim ignorance of this reality, but he had little or no choice than to say what he said just to deceive the people into believing he means well and will effect what he promised in public glare if he fulfils his lifetime ambition of becoming governor.

It is obvious that the season of politics and promises of heaven on earth by politicians is here. But while some promises made by politicians have raised hopes of the masses that they are in for better times, some, like Mr Ekere's, have clearly stood out as vague, empty and misleading promises. It is sad and rather unfortunate that desperation could cause someone who should know to embark on spewing lies to the people.

Akwa Ibom people now under the able leadership of Mr. Udom Emmanuel will never succumb to these tissues of falsehood and grand deceit. They are now wiser, more circumspect and highly discerning, hence will not fall for empty and unrealistic promises from desperate men.

Be careful with those listed. They are worst than terror itself.

Dear Akwa Ibomites,

Can you remember the mayhem in Ikot Ekpene prior to the 2011 general election and how Fortune High School, Uyo and a storey building adjacent Total gas station Abak road, Uyo were awashed by wild fire? I'm glad the building is still at its fire-razed state.

Over 10 Akwa Ibomites lost their lives in Ikot Ekpene as a result of the brouhaha between Akpabio and Udoedeghe. Over 50 cars were burnt to ashes, shops in Ikot Ekpene, Uyo and its environs burgled and properties worth over hundreds of millions carted...This was the era the mockery phrase 'Oh Uyo' was adopted by a supposed leader, perhaps, to ridicule Uyo people.....#NeverAgain!

Weren't you witnesses to the inferno that engulfed the Akwa Ibom State secretariat, where over 1000 units of supposed Ibom cabs and 600 units of tricycles, popularly known as Keke, were consumed? Be reminded that the then incumbent gov. Godswill Akpabio and Sen. John Udoedeghe were the reasons for this upheavals.

Should I remind you about the killing of the Uyo 'twin brothers' during this period?.... Oh, Uyo!

Rev. Ntia Ntia of Fulllife Christian Centre had himself abducted in lieu of the vulnerably armless wife, though unconditionally released as a result of his strong faith, while the general oversear of the Power City International, Abel Damina, had a bitter experience after keeping sleepiness night as a result of the abduction and forceful seizure of her daughter, still within the period under review...#NeverAgain!

Yes, in my village, Nkana Iman, Elder Iniobong Jackson, now, special adviser to Umana Okon Umana, and the eldest son to the APC chieftain, Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh, made the list of kidnapped Ibibios, while Group Cpt. Sam Enwang, spent hundreds of millions to free his wife from the dent of kidnappers.

I guess you remember when Mr. Ini Ekong Udonwa was chased out of his father/motherland for the single crime of aspiring to lead his people? His mother (may her soul rest in peace, while her spirit continually haunts her abductors, living or dead) abducted, raped, killed her like a chicken, and dumped by the roadside... #NeverAgain!

If you were here during the reign of the phrase "Let Godswill Be Done Again", then you should be abreast to the many crimes that befallen Akwa Ibom. One of such was the kidnapping and murder, even after collecting huge ransome, of the daughter of the then head of Abak local gov't Council... Da, Zion Umoh, Kokoette Udom, and the man I love and respect so much, difference in political party notwithstanding, Barr Emmanuel Udosen, cannot pretend to be unfamiliar with this story.

Immediately after the incarceration and airpoisoning of late High Chief Ononokpono in the police cell, Sen. John Udoedeghe reported himself to the police through the petition of gov. Godswill Akpabio and the invitation of the then IGP. He was falsely charged with treason and felony and was incarcerated, but mysteriously escaped 'cell air poison' which was the tactics of the day.

The Ibibios, don't forget how your then leader and the then paramount ruler of Nsit Ubium, HRM late Robert Obot, swam in his cold blood without help and finally gave up the ghost without a single word to his family, to the rage of the assassins. Sam Efiok, the owner of Trans-sossa gass station Uyo, was kidnaped and released after ransome, and a hundred other similar cases.... #NeverAgain

It's now clear that 2011 and the surrounding years was the incubation of the 'Hithler's Warsaw' agenda in Akwa Ibom State, as advocated by Sen. Godswill Akpabio. The Bible confirms that out of the abundance of the mind, the mouth uttered... Sen. Akpabio, why have you paid us on the wrong coin. Remember, you weren't better than Ezekiel Nyaetok, Ime Umanah, Udoma Ekarika etc, but we voted you on trust, only to have our state messed up! #NeverAgain

Sen. Akpabio, you appeared the most in this article because you were the state chief executive, on the same ticket with Nsima Ekere for 2011, supported by Umana Umana, so we won't be wrong to conclude that all that happened on the build up of 2011 was a tripartite deal between the three of you. #Never again shall our state be left under the whims and caprices of emotional flukes.

Before now, I never wrote or attempted to say anything against you. I'd wanted to let the sleeping dog lie, but your recent collaborations with the Hausas, the Yorubas and the likes, again to oust outspoken young Ibibios like Rt Hon. Speaker, Onofiok Luke, the promoter of local news platform, Sittipe ke Akwa Ibom, Mr. Utitofon Morgan Ukpong, Nsibiet John of Ink Publishers, and a thousand others are clear evidence that you never wished us, the Ibibios, well!

Now that you guys have come again, are you aware that someone is leading the state in such a matured, prudent and peaceful manner without any iota of or record of crime?

Now, with all honesty,

#WhatDoYouWant?
#NsoKeMbufoEyom?

Akwa Ibom Deserves Peace, at least, till 2023!

Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar today shake the city of Sokoto for his North West Presidential campaign as millions of Nigerians responded bby showing solidarity with a man of the moment who is working assiduously to ensure that Nigeria is repositioned for optimum result.

Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar today shake the city of Sokoto for his North West Presidential campaign as millions of Nigerians responded bby showing solidarity with a man of the moment who is working assiduously to ensure that Nigeria is repositioned for optimum result.

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has received over 20,000 female youth who thronged the major streets of Uyo to rally support for his second term in office. Also at the solidarity rally are Sen. Bassey Albert, Mr. Akan Okon, Elder Ufot Egong and other top government officials.

Akwa Ibom State remain a PDP state till tomorrow.

Female Youths in Akwa Ibom State led by Lady Edna Bassey has closed down business activities in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State in solidarity with the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel for his reelection in 2019. The female youths numbering over 20,000 took over major streets in Uyo to show their solidarity for the governor.

They were joined by some top government officials including the Dean of Aides to the governor, Elder Ufot Ebong.

Akwa Ibom Youth have resolved NEVER to allow any break of security into the State House of Assembly by some hoodlums. They have taken over the State House of Assembly preceeding today Valedictory Session in honour of former House Member, Late Dr. Clement Bassey. Arriving the House of Assembly premises is the leader of the youth, SSA to the governor on Youth Matters, Comrade Aniefiok Wilson Iwaudofia, State Attorney General, Barr. Nwoko, Chairman of Nsit Ubium, Hon. Udemeobong Sylvanus Bassey, Chairman of Urue Offong Oruko, Hon. Efrumbuh, SA, Youth Leaders across the State covering Dakkada, Youth Council, Youth Caucus, Village Youth Presidents, Christian Youth, etc.

Never again will we allow miscreants to breach the peace in our dear state.

Stay here for more updates.

The Nigeria Police have reacted to the arrest of social crusader and human rights activist, Prince Deji Adeyanju and other protesters in Abuja.
Adeyanju who was arrested Wednesday morning alongside Daniel Abobama and Boma Williams was later taken to the FCT command of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), for onward arraignment in court.
In an official statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Jimoh Moshood, the Police is accusing Adeyanju and his group of protesters of Criminal Conspiracy, Joint Act, defamation of character, public nuisance and sundry offences.
“Deji Adeyanju, Daniel Abobama and Boma Williams contravene the law and were arrested for Criminal Conspiracy, Joint Act, defamation of character, public nuisance, disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant, disturbance of public peace, inciting public disturbance, threat to public security and safety, criminal defamatory and derogatory conduct against constituent authority and breach of law and order under sections 96, 113, 114, 152, 183 and 391 of Penal Code law”, the statement reads in part.
The police also said it recovered from the possession of the trio some criminal defamatory comments and utterances, that is capable of inciting public disturbance, threat to public security and safety, criminal defamatory and derogatory conduct against constituted authority and breach of law and order pasted by Deji Adeyanju on his face book page.
The comments according to the police include: “We just want police to be neutral in this election”, “Police is not a department of APC”, “Police are not politicians 2019 elections in danger”, The romance between APC and the Police is unholy”, “Who killed Offa robbery Prime suspect”, Presidency, stop using police for political games”.
Other comments include: “Where’s the autopsy of Offa robbery prime suspect?”, “Police are not politicians”, Sack IGP like Osinbajo sacked Daura for invasion of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly”.
The police authority, however, acknowledged the fundamental rights of every individual as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution but said such rights must be exercised in such a way not to infringe on others’ rights.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not unaware of the rights of every Nigerian to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of movement as essentials of Democracy provided for by the 1999 constitution, Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended particularly sections 38, 39, 40 and 41.
“However, these rights must be observed with decorum, in good faith and without violating the rights of other millions of Nigerians to free movement and access to safety and security across the Country.
“The Constitutional rights of every Nigerian as stated in first paragraph above i.e Sections 38, 39, 40 and 41, these rights are not absolute as section 45 of the same Constitution provides for derogations to these rights,” the FPRO added.

BREAKING NEWS

AKWA IBOM WOMEN PROTEST.

Women across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, led by the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Glory Edet, clad in black attire, carrying placards with inscriptions such as MUSA MUST GO; WE NEED PEACE IN AKS ; LUKE IS THE AUTHENTIC SPEAKER ! etc are protesting Police partisanship in the state, calling for redeployment of the newly posted State Police Commissioner, Musa Kimo.

This is coming on the heels of the involvement of men of the Nigeria Police Force in yesterday plenary conducted in the state House of Assembly by five suspended members with the assistance of Police personnel.

DETAILS LOADING .

Responding to unnecessary inturruption of government activities in Akwa Ibom State by APC led federal government, youths numbering over 500 have blocked all ExxonMobil facilities asking federal government to allow peace to reign in Akwa Ibom or else they will interrupt oil operation which is used to develop other areas to the detriment of the host communities.

#EketYouthProtest

Over 1000 Akwa Ibom Students, comprising of NANS and NAAKISS officials, Union Presidents and Senior Comrades, led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students' Matters, Comrade Aquilla Otobong Akpan, storm Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, to condemn the invasion of the House by sacked members of the Assembly.

The students also declared their support for Governor Udom Emmanuel and the leadership of the House, led by Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke and further sued for peace in the State.

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...Demand for Skill Training and Empowerment Programme

Selected youth leaders from Odio community in Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom State has resolved to vote all PDP candidates especially governor Udom Emmanuel and Eket House Member, Rt. Hon. David Lawrence in 2019 general elections. They took this decision when they visited Eket House Member at his residence in Eket.

Setting the tone of the discussion, Mr. Uboho Nkanta said that Odio youth are aggrived that after every election year they are abandoned to their fate, noting that they are only remembered when another election approaches. He expressed regret that after working for successive administration, none of them have been considered for either job placement, capacity building or empowerment programme.

He appealed to the House Member to ensure that Odio youth are capture in his empowerment programmes as they will not fold their hands and watch those who did not contribute to the success of the election being benficiaries while they go empty handed.

Christian Ukpaukure, a member of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Eket local government area said they decided to meet with the House Member to share their grievances so that he can be addressed.

Another youth leader, Andrew Hanson commended the capacity of the House Member to execute human development projects which has direct impact on the lives of the people, soliciting for his intervention to ensure that Odio youth are not discriminated from government programmes and job opportunities especially in the oil and gas sector.

Responding, the Eket House Member, David Lawrence thanked Odio youth for summoning courage to approached him to lay their complain, saying that in politics meeting should be a routine activities to rob minds together and chart the way forward for the interest of the people and community.

He encouraged them not to be distracted by those who has joined APC, appealing to them to be stedfast in supporting PDP administration which has brought so mch development projects to Eket. David Lawrence who is the Deputy Whip of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly said he has special interest in the youth, urging Odio youth to always demand for what belong to them. He added that no government in the state will ever consider the development of Eket local government area and by extension Odio community if Udom Emmanuel is not returned in 2019.

He said that he has given the people of Eket State Constituency effective representation in the area of lawmaking, oversight and representation, promising to double his empowerment packages in his second term which will spread to all villages.

He encouraged Odio youth to continue to support PDP to win all elections as the benefits will be enormous and spread to different communities for the benfits of our people. He advised the youth to acquire skills and education to access job opportunities, promising to relate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that their concern are addressed.

While thanking the House Member for the prompt response to have audience with Odio youth, the facilitator of the visit and a member of Youth Caucus in Eket, Comrade Ubong David commended David Lawrence for his quality representation, assuring that the youth will stand firmly with PDP and ensure that Udom Emmanuel and all PDP candidates from the National level to the state are all returned during the general elections.

He promised that Odio youth will deliver PDP massively, appealing for their interest to be protected during and after elections. He further expressed satisfaction with the House Member for putting the interest of Eket people ahead, encouraging him to do more in his second term mandate.

By Ubong Creativity

Member representing Eket State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. David Lawrence has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has performed creditably both at the state and local government level. The House Member stated this when selected youth leaders from Odio in Ward 5 Central paid him a Courtesy Visit at his premises in Eket.

Rt. Hon. Lawrence said that the PDP administration led by governor Udom Emmanuel has justified the mandate given to him by Akwa Ibom people through his industrialization policy which has attracted more industries to the state, urging the youth leaders to be committed and stedfast in the PDP administration so as to be rewarded for their effort.

He assured the youth of many projects in Eket Constituency executed by PDP led administration to include the International Market, Eket Township Stadium, the Super High Way and the housing project which will commenced before December ending.

"I want to say that PDP remain the only party that has interest of the people at heart as shown by governor Udom Emmanuel which has been replicated at the grassroot level. I want to assured all of you that we will double what we have done in first term," he stated.

He thanked the youth for thinking it wise to sit with him to share the issues bordering on their welfare, assuring them that all the concerns will be addressed accordingly. The lawmaker also advised Odio youth to learn trade and have skills that will guarantee them opportunities in job placement especially in the oil and gas sector, promising to ensure that everyone is satisfied as governance is all about the people.

In his presentation, the Youth President of Odio, Mr. Uboho Nkanta said the youth are aggrieved as they are always forgotten immediately after the election, pleadin the House Member to give them equal opportunities in terms of empowerment, job opportunities and financial support.

A Youth Council representative, Christian Ukpaukure urged the House Member to carry Odio youth along in his programmes as they are ready to deliver PDP in 2019. He emphasized on capacity building to be a top priority of his second term in office as the youth want to acquired skills that will help them in future.

Lending his voice, Andrew Hanson said that he is aware that Rt. Hon. Lawrence has the capacity to initiate programmes that will touch every segment, pleading him to involved Odio youth in all his activities for synergy towards delivering PDP in 2019.

While thanking the House Member for his prompt response to meet with the youth of Odio, the facilitator of the visit and Eket Youth Caucus Member, Comrade Ubong David expressed delight that Eket still has leaders who pay attention to the yearnings of their people, urging the House Member to always find time to interact with the grassroot for proper understanding of government policies and programs.

He assured that Odio and Ward 5 Central is PDP and will deliver the party at the coming general elections.

Some months ago, one known personality of the State promised to unleash terror on the State in the form of warsaw war during 2019 general elections, and in these few days, we've seen beyond reasonable doubts the manifestation of this promise by the combatant.

Several efforts have been made by this lord to make sure APC conquer the State, and one of the tactics is sewing Army Uniforms to some thugs for easy execution of some PDP members. Some of these thugs has been identified to be among the APC thugs who tried to cause mayhem at the State House of Assembly complex few days ago.

It's high time we know who our real enemies are. Warsaw cannot befall any Akwa Ibom child. The government of the state under the leadership of Deacon Udom Emmanuel will not rest until he sees that insecurity and other social vices are sent to the pit of hell.Some months ago, one known personality of the State promised to unleash terror on the State in the form of warsaw war during 2019 general elections, and in these few days, we've seen beyond reasonable doubts the manifestation of this promise by the combatant.

Several efforts have been made by this lord to make sure APC conquer the State, and one of the tactics is sewing Army Uniforms to some thugs for easy execution of some PDP members. Some of these thugs has been identified to be among the APC thugs who tried to cause mayhem at the State House of Assembly complex few days ago.

It's high time we know who our real enemies are. Warsaw cannot befall any Akwa Ibom child. The government of the state under the leadership of Deacon Udom Emmanuel will not rest until he sees that insecurity and other social vices are sent to the pit of hell.

Senatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi has said that the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel is a man of peace, having brought peace to the state in the past three and half years of his administration. The Senatorial Candidate made this submission during a Thanksgiving Service to flag-off her campaign organization.

"If Udom has not done anything for you, appreciate him for the peace he has brought to the state. Our governor is a man of peace," she stated.

Dr. Eyakenyi said that she decided to flag-off her campaign in church because God has been very faithful to her. She commended governor Udom Emmanuel for a peaceful primaries in the state, saying the PDP Senatorial primaries in Eket Senatorial District was the most peaceful ever as no gun was shot or anyone injured. She emphasized that the process was very peaceful which she won convincingly.

Eyakenyi said that she is very excited to be in church to dedicate the campaign organization to God, askimg Him to see her and all PDP candidates through the general elections. "I am not only here for Akon Eyakenyi. I am here for all of us. I am here for all PDP Candidates starting from Atiku Abunakar, Udom Emmanuel down to the House of Assembly." She added that victory is assured for all PDP candidates in 2019.

She also commended the role played by all the local government chairmen, chapter chairmen, commissioners, delegates, party leaders and stakeholders for their resolved to support her to victory, promising to reciprocate their gesture when she assumed office as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in June 2019.

In his speech, the political leader of Eket Senatorial District and Chairman, Eket Senatorial District Elders Forum, Chief Nduese Essien thanked the Apostolic Church for hosting the Campaign Organization, noting that the church is well organized and will support PDP at the poll so as to attract development to the Senatorial District.

Speaking also, the Chairman of Eket local government area, Hon. Frank Archibong speaking on behalf of the twelve local government chairmen said "in this particular election, the church is involved. He thanked Dr. Eyakenyi for her wise decision to lay the foundation of the Campaign Organization in church, saying that The Apostolic Church, Field Temple is a fertile ground which PDP will win at the general elections.

"We are leaving here victorious because The Apostolic Church, Area Temple is a fertile ground. He added that the church is involved in the coming election because God is also involved hence the naming of Udom Emmanuel's Campaign Organization, Divine Mandate with a slogan "Only God."

Archibong extolled the sterling leadership qualities of Dr. Eyakenyi as a woman of worth with capacity to represent the people of Eket Senatorial District effectively. He promised Dr. Eyakenyi that all the 12 LGA Chairmen, House of Assembly Members and House of Representatives members are all with her. He asked rhetorically if all those mentioned are with her, who will be against her?

In his homily, Pastor Ron called on Christian to always reverence God and serve Him wholeheartedly, hoping there will be reward. Prayer was offered to Dr. Eyakenyi for her victory and that of PDP members including governor Udom Emmanuel.

In attendance were Director General of Better deal Campaign Organization, Mr. Samuel Ekpenyong and wife Eunice Thomas, Chief Nduese Essien, Hon. Frank ArchibongArchibong and wife, Bright Archibong, Gen. Anthony Etukudo (Rtd), Hon. Nse Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ephraim Inyang and spouse, Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, Chief Williams Mkpah, and others.

Following the seemingly embarrassing comment in a book authored by former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arch. Obong Victor Attah, against his successor, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has made up his mind to shun all further events organized in to mark Attah’s birthday.

Obong Attah had, in his book titled “It Is Well With My Soul”, described the 8-year administration of Sen. Akpabio as an administration of uncommon wastages, evaluating the administration to have received N2.5 trillion but with nothing to show for such huge amount of money in its 8-year's tenure.

In a section of the said book, Attah further characterized Akpabio’s, as an administration characterized by grandiose plans and great white elephant projects which were mostly uncompleted, or even not started including the promise to establish one industry in every local government area of the state.

Sen. Akpabio who had ignorantly arrived the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Center, Abuja for the book presentation with his wife Unoma, was furious when he got wind of the comment of the wasteful spending that plagued his eight years in office.
According to an insider who spoke to our reporter, Akpabio was said to have been shocked by the revelation by the octogenarian about him and stormed out of the venue unceremoniously and without exchanging any form of pleasantry with the man who set him up to become a governor.
“I can confirm to you that Akpabio will have nothing to do with any other celebration in Obong Attah's honour again,” a personal aide to the immediate past senate minority leader told our reporter in confidence.

It could be recalled that Sen. Akpabio served as Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in 2002 and Commissioner of Lands during Attah’s tenure
It could be recalled that Senator Akpabio had refused the celebrator all access to privileges deserving of a former governor during his term as Governor between 2007 and 2015, including denying Attah the use of a five star Hotel he(Attah) initiated and built, during his 70th birthday celebration.
Akpabio is said to have further humiliated his former boss, when he set up probe panels to investigate and conduct media trials of projects executed by the former governor, and went further to close down the Ibom Plaza as well as halt work on the Science Park project started by the “father of modern Akwa Ibom.”
When contacted, a close family source said that Obong Attah is not moved by the decision of Akpabio to attend or not attend his event.
“No one can force our father not to speak his mind as a father; Akpabio never accorded any respect to Papa all through his reign and it would not change anything now.”