A socio political group in Akwa Ibom, Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance, has condemned the last minute withdrawal of the names of two prominent sons of the state from the recent national honours award by the Federal Government.
In a statement yesterday in Uyo, the group expressed sadness over the removal of the names of Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum, Senator Bassey Akpan and the Sole Administrator of NDDC, Mr Effiong Akwa, hours to the national award ceremonies presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
In the statement signed by Barr Stephen Abia and Mr Imoh Etimudo, chairman and secretary respectively, the group which claimed Akpan may have been dropped by the FG on the premise that he is indicted and is being prosecuted in a corruption case by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC described his removal as unacceptable to Akwa Ibom people.
“Granted that the man is involved in a corruption case and several other issues bothering on graft, is it not established that in law one is not guilty until so presumed by the court?
“Does the FG say that Senator Bassey Albert is the only Nigerian with corruption baggage whether in court who was nominated for the honour? Or is he being treated specially because he is an Akwa Ibom son?
” What if in the end the court pronounced him not guilty, how will the wounds inflicted by this shabby treatment be healed?” The statement querried.
It also condemned removal of the name of Akwa after an official publication of the national honours list for whatever reason the federal government may come with.
“To us, that was selective disgrace to our sons, and we totally condemn this.” It said.
The group expressed sadness over the “loud silence” of the FG on the eleventh hour removal of the name of the dou which has made it susceptible to diverse interpretations by Nigerians and called for urgent government statement on the matter to calm frail nerves.
“The continuous neglect of Akwa Ibom despite its contributions to the growth and sustenance of the nation’s economy is enough grave injustice that need not be aggravated by the needless shabby humiliation of our sons.
“We call on the federal government to immediately correct these anomalies and get their earlier nominees, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan and Mr Effiong Akwa, decorated with national medals of honour. This is to avoid establishing a wrong precedent that does the unity of our country no good.
“Nigeria belongs to us all, and what is good for the goose, is good for the gander. We cannot continue to watch our sons and daughters receiving the shameful treatment of second class citizens.” It concluded.
