ATTAH’S MEN AND AKPABIO’S MEN

Dear Editor,

ATTAH’S MEN AND AKPABIO’S MEN

With accusations and counter-accusations going on between the men of the former governor and those of the present governor of Akwa Ibom State on the deteriorating security situation in the State; it is not something that should be glossed over. With the kidnap incident that involved former NYSC Director-General, General Edet Akpan, many questions have been asked; who are the brains behind it and most other kidnappings in that State? 

Attah’s group raised issues that pointed finger at the government of the day, criticizing it of not doing enough to stem the tide of insecurity. Akpabio’s men in their usual characteristics tried to put up spirited effort to deny this and Akpabio himself accused his former ally, ex-FCT Minister of State who was also (his) Chairman of Akpabio Campaign Organization, Senator James Akpanudoedehe. The Senator has debunked this by saying that Akpabio was looking for alibi. Accusations and counter-accusations have not abated.

Akpabio’s group had come hard on former governor Attah (an Ibibio), describing him an ethnic jingoist. But this cannot be true because it is a fact that Attah has only two kids – a male and female. Both are married to Annang persons (Akpabio’s ethnic stock). Attah who Akpabio had referred severally as his mentor and father also was instrumental for power shift to Annang stock.  

My contribution to all this is that both sides should sheathe their swords. Akpabio who is the chief security officer of the State should be accountable for all security lapses. If he wants to checkmate the backsliding, he has the entire muzzle to make or mar any situation with his security votes. Few days back his Police/chief driver (nicknamed Decree Four) was kidnapped in Abia State by gunmen that trailed him from Akwa Ibom while the governor was away overseas. While some are saying that it was an arranged kidnapping, others are saying that it was created by division in one of the cult groups set up to propagate the governor’s second term bid.

Emem Idong, RCC Road, EKET, Akwa Ibom State.