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| Udom |
Obong Gabriel Akpabio has described
the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr. Udom Emmanuel as a political
neophyte who still needs lot s of time to learn the ropes of politicking,
berating him for making what he called “careless and inciting comments.”
This follows the statement made by
Mr. Udom in Ikot Abasi, during the Town Hall meeting held at the Council Hall where
he faulted the comments made by prominent sons and daughters of Ikot Abasi
Local Government Area and insinuated that that points raised by the people in
Ikot Abasi were either false or distorted, the comment made by the SSG is
believed to have contributed to the violence that erupted at the venue.
A onetime Commissioner for Finance,
Obong Obot Etukaffia in his remarks at the meeting, submitted that since the
mantle of leadership in the state had be rotated from Uyo to Ikot Ekpene
Senatorial Districts, it would be wise to complete the cycle by zoning the
governorship ticket to Eket Senatorial District.
Obong Etukaffia who argued that in
the spirit of equity, justice and oneness, Eket Senatorial District deserves to
take its turn, also argued that since amongst the 3 Federal Constituencies that
make up the Senatorial District, Only Eket Federal Constituency has produced 2
Governors Dr. Clement Isong who was elected first civilian Governor of the then
Cross River State from 1979 to 1983, he also noted that before Isong, Brigadier
Udoakaha Jacob Esuene had been
the Military Governor of South-Eastern State (later renamed Cross River State between May 1967 and July 1975 during the military regime of
General Yakubu Gowon
The former Finance Commissioner also
posited that Since Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma (Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency) had been
in the Senate, between 1999 and 2007, and that Senators Eme Ekaette and Helen
Esuene both took turns to make it 8years for Eket Federal Constituency, it would natural that Oron Federal
Constituency should go for Senate, while Ikot Abasi should be allowed to
produced the Governor, come 2015. Former Chairmen of Mkpat Enin and Eastern
Obolo, Obong Richard Umoren and Dr. Charles Mbong , respectively also rooted
for zoning.
In a chat with Obong Akpabio shortly
after the riotous crowd was brought under control by the security agencies, he
revealed that the people of Ikot Abasi are disappointed in Udom whom he said
“has not learnt” despite everything he has been thought.
“The town hall meeting would have
ended well, but for his(Udom) insulting statement. He is myopic and tried to
distort history to suit his selfish desire. Despite Etukaffia’s comprehensive
submission he still went ahead to insult the people of Ikot Abasi Federal
Constituency by saying all the fact raised were false. Is he denying that Isong
and Esuene were never Governors or that they are not from Eket Federal
Constituency? ” he said
The Ikot Abasi born politician said
Governor Akpabio was visibly surprised by the unexpected comments, saying he
doubts Udom’s ability to successfully campaign if given the opportunity. “I
wonder how long people will continue speaking for him” he quipped.
When asked about Udom’s position that
3 Deputy Governor equals a Governor, Obong Akpabio who was now fuming
thundered; “does he think he will win elections by distorting history, he only
succeeded in exposing his ignorance, does he need someone to tell him that he
should not have responded to the comments made by the people when he was
suppose to make a vote of thanks.”
It should be noted that violence
erupted shortly after Udom made a statement which contradicted the position of
Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, One person was reportedly killed, several
others injured and vehicles vandalized.
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