Akwa Ibom APC Quakes Over Ministerial Slot

The All Progressives Congress, APC in Akwa Ibom State has been jolted by pressure from some sections of the party over the hustling for state’s slot for minister.

Among the most mentioned party chieftains mentioned for the ministerial slot have been the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the 2019 governorship candidate Obong Nsime Ekere, the managing director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority, NEPZA, Obong Umana Okon Umana.

The speculations are, however, without consideration of the intentions of President Muhammadu Buhari towards Udoma Udo Udoma who the president is reported to have been fond of on account of his competence as minister of national planning in the former cabinet.

Another party chieftain, Senator James Akpanudoedehe though not well mentioned is also said to be in reckoning on account of his historic ties to some of the party’s national leaders.

The contention came as the party disclaimed insinuations made against the immediate past governor of the state, Akpabio by a group, Ibom Integrity and Servant Leadership Culture Initiative.

Even more, Umana has also disclaimed the group saying that the group was not acting on his behalf.

“The party condemns in totality, the disparaging campaign against our endearing son, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as evil fireworks meant to generate bad blood and disaffection in our party.

“Accordingly, the party warns such non-existent    group claiming to be an affiliate of APC in the state to desist forthwith from such nefarious engagement as there is no provision in the APC constitution that grants such power(s) to anyone or group to dabble into the function which is solely the prerogative of the party state working committee (SWC) in Akwa Ibom State.

“Finally, the party maintains that such letters of condemnation and recommendation stand annulled with immediate effect.

Umana’s media aide, Iboro Otongaran in a statement also disowning the group said:

“We want to state categorically that Mr Umana does not know this group; they are neither working on his behalf nor do they have the mandate to speak for him. Mr Umana has nothing to do with their publication.

“We also want to say that it is the prerogative of President Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to appoint whomever he chooses to serve in his cabinet. Nobody has the right to pressure or stampede him on such exercise of his official responsibility.

“We would therefore like to advise the good people of Akwa Ibom State and members of the public in general to disregard the said publication in its entirety.”

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG