By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance has issued a seven days ultimatum to APC Presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu to retract his statements and threats on Governor Udom Emmanuel or face legal  action.

This is even as the President of the Apex Ekid socio cultural organization, Afigh Iwaad Ekid, Chief Etiene Bob has called on the former Lagos Governor to apologize to the people of Akwa Ibom for his remarks on Emmanuel.

President of the Alliance, Barr Stephen Abia told a press conference in Uyo on Wednesday that the threat to the Governor was worrisome adding that the use of threats, blackmail, scandalous and libelous statements on persons with intimidation records and profile should never be a political tool for campaigns.

“We consider as worrisome, the threat to the life of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in the shabby outburst by Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We also take serious exception to such unwarranted, unfortunate, and uncontrollable height of vituperation by Mr. Tinubu on our State and people as the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, without mincing words, is the face of Akwa Ibom. 

“The fact that Mr. Tinubu was applauded by the misinformed, misguided and, obviously, hired crowed at the supposed party rally, and no finger raised against him and his cohorts as would have been the case in other climes, does not in any way suggest cowardice, but a high sense of political tolerance and patriotism.

“Having been accorded the peaceful, serene and secure atmosphere to campaign in Akwa Ibom State, which, of course, would not have been the case about eight years ago, and having been graciously accorded the use of our state facilities by the same Governor Udom Emmanuel whom Mr. Tinubu seeks to exterminate, it is crystal clear that the affront was premeditated and out of heavy ill-will and grudging contempt.

“Subsequently, we are giving Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all his co-conspirators Seven (7)days to retract the threats and apologize to the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, or risk immediate legal actions.” Abia said.

Bob expressed displeasure that over the state of personal attacks on individuals by the APC flagbearer wondering why he should not focus on marketing himself to the electorate rather than abusing personalities.

“Governor Emmanuel is our child and the patron of Afigh Iwaad Ekid and the Governor of Akwa Ibom and any disrespect to him is a direct insult on Akwa Ibom people and we will not allow that. Not after we gave our facility and a peaceful environment to Tinubu to campaign. Can anyone go to Lagos and do that?” The President querried.

Also in a statement, International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Akparawa James Edet    while calling for an apology from Tinubu said that such statements could threaten the existing peaceful relations between the people of the state and Yorubas living in the state.

“We consider this distasteful comment as smacking of intolerance, prejudice and ethnic jingoism which is capable of inciting strife between Ibibios and their Yoruba brethren with whom they have cohabited for decades without any rancour.

“We condemn in very strong terms the veiled threats directed at our son and Governor of our State by Tinubu and charge him to be measured, circumspect and responsible in his utterances as a leader while campaigning.” The statement said.