Akpabio dares INEC …orders Udom to begin full scale campaigns

…releases #100m for SSG’s political jamboree

With INEC yet to release an official time table of campaigns for the 2015 elections and most politicians consulting in hush tones, the case of Akwa Ibom State smacks of arrogance and impudence as Governor Akpabio has ordered his anointed godson and present Secretary to State Government Udom Gabriel Emmanuel to begin full scale campaigns.

The campaign which began last Monday according to reports was preceded by a meeting between Akpabio and the Annangs the previous day which was a Sunday at the Governor’s lodge in Uyo with Udom in attendance. It was agreed that the campaign should start in the Governor’s federal constituency of Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara Local Government Areas.

The Governor is said to have also directed that the sum of one hundred million naira be released for what has been described by many as a political jamboree. When the team led by Udom, Akpabio’s new godson visited Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area that Monday, it completely shut down all government activities in the state following the number of commissioners, council chairmen, aides, security operatives that abandoned their duty posts and went on that political movement. The team met at ACA’s office along Nsikak Eduok, two lane for Departure. Investigations reveal that ACA, Akwa Ibom Consolidation Assembly is the political platform set up with state Government funds towards actualizing what some political chieftains describe as the tall dream of making Udom Emmanuel a Governor
At Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, commissioner for Works, Mr. Don Etim moderated the session and called on the people of the LGA to throw their weight of support behind the aspiration of the state Secretary to State Government. Others who gave voice support including the chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area Obonganwan Gloria Useh, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien promised to support the ambition of Udom.

But a seasoned politician from Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area informed our reporter that most of those who are backing Udom’s ambition in the LGA are political jobbers who are only doing so to please the Governor as according to them, they have accessed the acceptability of Udom in the area and have found it at a lowest rate. The Ikot Ekpene campaign consultation of the SSG was held at Ritman home at Ikot Abia Idem in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

At Obot Akara LGA, the former Deputy Governor Engr. Chris Ekpenyong is said to have told the Udom team that he was going to support the SSG as according to our source the Ex deputy Governor described Udom as good enough for Akwa Ibom state. Chris Ekpenyong is said to have caused a stir when he mentioned that if he goes to other camps that he is going there for the purposes of money. His position however left many wondering the sincerity of his support to Udom. A point man for Obong Umana Umana former SSG, Abom Tony Esu is said to have been daring when he spoke. A source who attended the event told THE INK reporter that Abom Tony Esu had poured encomiums on the SSG describing him as a good product for governorship but is said to have however warned Udom to stay off the shadows of Godswill Akpabio and seek for Governorship if he is man enough to lead Akwa Ibom State.

A political stakeholder from Obot Akara who spoke to our reporter wondered why Udom would be flaunting impeccable corporate resume’ and even challenging one of the Akpabios with his credentials yet he is following Gov. Akpabio everywhere as a school boy who has just gained admission following his school master.

Udom’s team also visited Ika were they met with Dr. Francis Udoikpong, they met the political leader of Etim Ekpo popularly known as Apex at Etim Ekpo, they also met with Chief Senas Ukpannah at Ukanafun and also earlier had met with Moses Ekpo in Abak were they pleaded for support with an information that the SSG is the Governor’s anointed for the Hiltop mansion come 2015.

The campaign train also visited Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas and is expected to continue its tour this week. At all the places visited, Udom Emmanuel presented #3m each as landing fee.

Meanwhile, the former secretary to the state Government Obong Umana Umana it could be recalled amongst other reasons was sacked by Governor Godswill Akpabio for campaigning to be Governor while still in office. And now that Udom has begun full scale campaigns while still serving as SSG, Umana’s men are kicking and crying arguing that Udom should be given the Umana’s treatment. But Government House information monitored by THE INK reporter maintained that the action of the SSG had gotten the backing of the Governor. But politicians are arguing that if Akpabio has ordered Udom to go ahead with rigorous campaigns at this level, then the Governor has demonstrated a very sad and unfortunate attitude. One of the politicians who spoke to THE INK reporter described Akpabio as double speaking.