By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo
Some socio political groups in Akwa Ibom have expressed disappointment over outbursts by a former commissioner for works in Akwa Ibom, Mr Ephraim Inyang over last week’s conviction of Senator Bassey Akpan (OBA) l, state YPP gubenatorial candidate by the EFCC.
In separate statements in Uyo yesterday, the Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance, AIA and Eket Media Professionals described Inyang’s reaction over Akpan’s conviction as degrading and unfortunate.
Barr Steve Abia in a statement by the AIA, said Inyang’s allegations that the state government was working for his arrest by law enforcement agents and also raining abuses on Governor Udom Emmanuel as the architect of the political misfortunes of his political party, the YPP was unfortunate.
“We are shocked to observe the series of attacks on Governor Udom Emmanuel linking the governor to the self-inflicted woes of Senator Bassey Albert, a man convicted by the court for money laundering, fraud, bribery and corruption in a protracted case instituted by the federal government through its anti graft agency, the EFCC.
” Whether it is by ignorance or outright hatred for Governor Udom Emmanuel, it is shameful for Ephraim to link the Governor to Bassey Albert’s ordeal.We are aware of the fact that Mr. Ephraim Inyang is seeking public sympathy from the people of Eket senatorial district ahead of his 2023 failed Senate aspiration.
“It is rather unfortunate that instead of working tirelessly to redeem the battered reputation of their principal, by genuinely apologizing to Akwa Ibom people for his misdeeds in public office, he and his cohorts have chosen mudslinging and blackmailing as a tool to curry public sympathy.
“The unfounded allegation of an unexisting plot to arrest Mr Inyangeyen only exists as a figment of the imagination of the man with the last kicks of a drowning horse Senatorial ambition. No one needs to witch-hunt Ephraim Inyang.” The statement said.
Also in a statement endorsed by their Director of Public and Strategic Communication, Mr Joseph Ekong, the Eket Senatorial District Media Forum wondered how the trial of Akpan which started long before Emmanuel became the Governor could be influenced by him.
“And neither the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which prosecuted him nor the Federal High Court is a state government institution. Nobody should play the victim by attempting to create the impression that the state government is cracking down on the opposition.
“It is in line with our avowed commitments to the peace, unity and progress of our beloved state that we hereby wish to sound this note of advice to Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen and his hirelings to refrain from senseless outbursts that could be inflammatory and capable of breaching the peace currently being enjoyed in the State.” It said.
They expressed disappointment over boasts by Inyang that he has documents that will be used to destroy the image of the Governor even as his reign as commissioner was mared by controversies.
“No one is trying to stop Mr Ephraim Inyang from attempting to contest for whatever position he seeks, despite his area not being favoured by the zoning arrangement, but in going against the tide, he should not rock the boat and spew wild allegations against the man who picked him up and gave him appointment.
“Mr Inyang-eyen knows that his senatorial ambition has refused to gain traction because the people have roundly rejected it, first, because it offends the existing zoning formula in the Senatorial District. Let him face his senatorial project and desist from noisemaking and needless rabble rousing.” It concluded.
