By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
Elders in Akwa Ibom under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Leaders Vanguard, have accused the Federal Government of plans to Create ‘imaginary-crisis-like’ situation in the state so as to declare a-state-of- emergency.
They have also said that they would not negotiate the peace the state have enjoyed over the years and which is now been threatened by the ambition of the APC led FG to take over the state in the 2019 elections.
Spokesperson for the group Senator Aniete Okon who made the allegation during a press conference in Uyo last weekend questioned the rationale for the posting of four Police Commissioners to the state in one month.
The Leaders Vanguard whose membership cuts across the three senatorial districts has Senators Emmanuel Ibokessien, Effiong Bob, Helen Esuene, Etang Umoyo, Chief Nduese Essein, Dr Emmanuel Ukpong, Mr. Ekpeneyong Enyinna, Prof. Emmanuel Onwudiokit, Mr. Peter Linus as members, among others.
According to Okon, their fears has become necessary since the
political imbroglio that engulfed the state assembly, and statements by the National Chairman of the All
Progressive Congress, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, which has seen for commissioners posted to the state between November 20 and 23.
He alleged that these negative moves by the FG towards Akwa Ibom people was a clear sign of desperation meant to make the state appear to be in crisis and to enable the APC led FG to carry out its plans of forcefully taking over the state in 2019 via declaration of a state of emergency.
He described the antics as ‘testing the waters’ to see the
reaction of people of the state towards next year’s general elections, stressing that, the people of Akwa Ibom would resist every attempt to use federal might to fake chaotic atmosphere in the state.
“The posting and reposting of police commissioners to the state is because they have not seen the one that will play their cards accordingly. Enough is enough. They should not dare us; they allow the state to continue to enjoy the peace it is known for within and
outside the country.
“We strongly reiterate our position that no level; of intimidation will be allowed to plunge our state into the anarchical dictates of Federal elements whether EFCC, Nigerian Police or military……It is
apparent that the current leadership of our nation hasn’t fully come to terms with how democracy works an is bent on wielding power through
the butt of the gun.
“Our state had since progressed from the dark era of 2007-2015 and far from the dictatorial regime of 1984. We remain distinctive people committed to the peace that has been sustained by the current
administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
“The time to call to order the National Chairman of APC Adams Oshiomohle and the federal executive arm directed security services of the ruling party/agents that every evil agenda against God’s people
shall fail in its entirety as the people know better than remain with the pangs of poverty that has retrogressed this nation in the last 42 months of APC rule.” Okon said.
