Commissionership position tears Ikot Ekpene apart

*Don Etim, Etido Inyang, ors in fierce battle

 

BY KENNETH JUDE

As anxiety builds over those that will form the cabinet of Governor Udom Emmanuel, there is confusion in Ikot Ekpene as major heavyweights in the political configuration of the area are locked in a battle of wits, clandestine lobbying and subtle manoeuvrings to brighten their chances of getting a look in by the     Governor as he finalises efforts to set up his team.

Prominent sons of Ikot Ekpene including Mr. Don Etim and Engr. Etido Inyang who served as Commissioner for Works and Special Adviser to the immediate past Governor on Technical Matters respectively are said to be making desperate moves to get a slot in the new administration of Udom Emmanuel. THE INK gathered from reliable sources that Mr. Don Etim is campaigning intensely to return to the Executive Council as a Commissioner. Our source who spoke in confidence on the condition of anonymity explained that the fair-skinned Uruk Uso born politician is oiling his machinery ahead of what is proving to be a rat race which has led to the emergence of various camps with all laying serious claim to the new Government and giving diverse reasons why they should be considered for appointments.

Investigations by THE INK reveal that Mr. Don Etim is relying on the political sagacity of the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio and his wife Unoma to return as a Commissioner in the current administration. Sources say that Don Etim had gotten assurances from Akpabio to get a slot in the new administration of Udom Emmanuel hence the unalloyed support he (Udom) enjoyed from Don Etim during the electioneering period where he is said to have mobilised huge resources and support for the emergence of Udom Emmanuel as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Our source further hinted that Don Etim is in the good books of the Akpabios’ family especially Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, both of whom, we learnt had a smooth working relationship in the last administration. Don is said to have been a very loyal and dependable ally of Unoma which stands him on a good stead to clinch a prominent position in the current administration. During the burial of his late brother, Ken Etim held last Saturday in his country home, Uruk Uso, Don Etim, sources observed is said to have subtly canvassed for a position in the current Government led by Udom Emmanuel while giving his vote of thanks.

We gathered that he openly beckoned on Barr Godswill Akpabio and Governor Udom Emmanuel to work out a formula that will favour him when new appointments are made in the current administration having said that his late brother, Ken appeared to him in a dream and told him to impress it upon Akpabio/Udom to consider him for appointment. He is said to have drew sympathy from the crowd especially as he used his late brother’s wish and support for Udom Emmanuel to drive home his point.  But others, we learnt did not take that line in good cheer as they frowned seriously over what they described as politicising his late brother’s burial. Our source explained further that his public canvass for a slot in Udom’s Government during a sober moment was an act of desperation and smacks of using his late brother for political gains instead of mourning him.

Meanwhile, a close associate of Mr. Don told THE INK that the people are solidly behind the former Commissioner for Works, asserting that if at all there’ll be an appointee from the area; it surely should be Don Etim, whom they described as a man of the people. But in a sharp contrast, a section of the people of the area who chatted with this Paper are vehemently opposed to any idea of Don Etim returning to the EXCO arguing that his eight years as  Commissioner did not bring anything tangible to Ikot Ekpene. This group maintained that the Don only succeeded in empowering and enriching members of his family during his time as Commissioner for Works. They noted that if he sails through in his ambition, it will once again mean another period of anguish for them. 

 
Another major contender to a slot in the Udom Emmanuel led administration is Engr. Etido Inyang who, sources say have been all over Udom recently all in a bid to warm his way into the heart of the former Zenith Bank Chief Executive. Etido Inyang who accompanied Governor Udom to St. Luke’s Hospital recently, we learnt, is doing everything to ensure he stages a return to the State EXCO in a notable capacity. A close ally to the former SA to Governor Akpabio on Technical Matters said that Etido Inyang is banking on the support of Sir Emem Akpabio and Unoma Akpabio to make headway in his aspiration. We also gathered that he (Etido) had confided in one of his core loyalists that he invested heavily in cash towards the success of Unoma Akpabio’s Family Life Enhancement Initiative hence expects to be rewarded by being returned to the cabinet as Commissioner for Works. Engr. Etido Inyang, THE INK understands believes he is the most qualified professional to man the post of all those angling for the position. But investigation revealed that he appears not to enjoy support from majority of the people who are of the opinion that he is selfish and self-centred. They argued that unlike Don who has tremendously touched the lives of members of his family, Etido Inyang has failed woefully in this regard.  

While it appears that both Etido Inyang and Don Etim are making serious case for a fair treatment in Udom’s administration, Pastor Sunny Ibuot, who is the former Council Chairman in Ikot Ekpene is also in the line up and is said to be riding on the coat tails of Bassey Albert whom he served as Director of Campaign to get his wish.  He is from Amayam Clan and hopes to take advantage of the seeming marginalisation of the area to gain sympathy. We gathered further from reliable sources that Senator Ibok Essien is backing him with the agreement and understanding that when he emerges as Commissioner, he will in turn support the ex Senator’s nephew, Udeme Robert Ekanem who is currently the Vice Chairman of Ikot Ekpene to become the Chairman.

Impeccable sources noted that if the deal between the duo sails through, it will see Udeme Robert Ekanem emerging as the Ikot Ekpene Caretaker Chairman and then resign few weeks to the elections to contest as substantive Chairman.  Sources close to Sunny Ibuot informed our reporter in Abio Akpo Ntang Inyang that it will be unfair for Udom who claims to be MR RIGHT to appoint someone from Ikot Ekpene Urban considering that the last two Commissioners hailed from the district. They alleged that if the next Commissioner does not come from Amayam, Udom will be seen to have murdered his integrity and shall be seen as a man insensitive to his campaign promises.

This Paper can authoritatively report that those in the running for appointments into Udom’s administration are making frantic moves to meet some top politicians in the belief that if they secure more supports from them, their aspiration would have been boosted. An aide to Idongesit Ntekpere, the former Chairman of Obot Akara and House Member of Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara revealed to THE INK that some of those in the race for appointment into Udom’s cabinet have almost turned his boss’ resident into a Mecca of sorts as they have reached out to him with the aim of lobbying him to their side. Sources close to him while interacting with our reporter explained further that the body language of their boss appears indifferent as he is said to be awaiting his formal inauguration before taking a decision on the issue consequent upon due consultation with kinsmen of Ikot Ekpene.

As lobbying and frantic alliances gathers heat, the ambition of Etido Inyang appears to be dead on arrival if the total rejection of his aspiration by the people is anything to go by who are accusing him of being disconnected from the people; this of course, has seemingly paved the way for Sunny Ibout but he may be hard done since he did not support Udom Emmanuel from the onset and it is not immediately certain if his close ties with OBA will do his bid any good. Some very notable sons of Ikot Ekpene who spoke with our reporter reasoned that Udom should look for experienced hands that mean well for the State and imbued with the burning desire to impact their immediate environment. They maintained that the position of a Commissioner is not the birthright of those who wants to remain there in perpetuity having failed to use their positions to bring any industry to their domains which would have aided employment generation.  Meanwhile, Governor Udom Emmanuel, Government House sources say is under pressure to balance his cabinet considering that he has to carry all ethnic blocs and interests along in his administration. While rumours are rive in certain quarters that Udom may be hamstrung by his loyalty to his predecessor, aides close to the Governor told this Paper that Udom Emmanuel will do well to carry all segments of the State along in his administration.