YOUTHS SUPPORT COALITION (YSC)
IKOT EKPENE
LEAKED!
Plotted lies Against Engr. Etido Inyang to flood media space
It has come to the notice of the generality of Ikot Ekpene people that a single individual in our Local Government Area has suddenly changed his name to “Ikot Ekpene People’s Coalition [IKEPEC]” in order to promote his self-centred and narrow interest, against the collective interest of Ikot Ekpene.
We are aware that “IKEPEC,” a ghost group has written a supposedly “open letter” to our dear governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, titled: “Engr. Etido Inyang Must Not Be Returned As Commissioner”. This hatchet job which has already been sent to media houses and paid for, (print and online) was leaked by the man-Friday of the sponsor who has chosen to subordinate the petty interest of an individual for the collective concerns of Ikot Ekpene. We commend our brother for raising the alarm and for exhibiting good conscience.
We want to state clearly and strongly that Ikot Ekpene People’s Coalition [IKEPEC] is non-existent and the two signatories (Barrister Usoroh Usoroh and Hon. Daniel Akpan Umoh) to the supposed “open letter” are fictional characters. And characters of fiction are not objects of reality. We challenge the sponsor of the letter to make available contact lines and known addresses of his abstract “Barrister and Honourable”.
In paragraph 4 of the supposed letter, it is claimed that Engr. Etido Inyang “has not touched any life; bought no car or motorcycle for anybody”. It is laughable reading through such a claim. It is equally pathetic knowing what constitutes empowerment for this one-man “Coalition”. As indigenes of Ikot Ekpene, we can attest that innumerable sons and daughters of the Local Government Area are direct beneficiaries of the educational scholarships of Engr. Etido Inyang. These stages of scholarships benefit those studying in Nigeria and abroad and cut across undergraduate and post-graduate levels. This is a fact. Recently, during the commissioning of a house built by the governor’s wife for a widow in Ikot Ekpene, Engr. Inyang quietly, adopted one of the widow’s daughter and promised not only to sponsor her O’Level examination but also her tertiary education to graduation. That he does not go around with cameras to capture his humanitarian and compassionate gestures to impress the public is no reason to tell lies against him.
We can also attest that Engr. Etido Inyang has created openings for many Ikot Ekpene indigenes and Akwa Ibom people in general to gain meaningful employment in establishments both within and outside the state. Such gainful employments have enabled these people to buy cars of their choice, own property and live respectably. His patterns of empowerment ensure such beneficiaries become self-sufficient and do not depend on public officials for survival. Quietly too, Engr. Inyang has offered good cars to others but he would not act indecently and disrespectful to the dignity of humanity by calling out names of beneficiaries.
The argument that Engr. Inyang MUST NOT BE TRUSTED (emphasis as contained in the supposed letter, paragraph 5) has a clownish undertone. It smacks of political desperation too. Etido is a forthright man who breathes loyalty at every pore. Ikot Ekpene people are comfortable with him. We have always been comfortable with his humility and unrestricted accessibility. If there is a man who MUST NOT BE TRUSTED, and who Ikot Ekpene people will never trust, then, it is a man who runs a one-man “Coalition” against the collective interest and decision of his people.
The lie in paragraph 6 of the supposed open letter that “his selfishness, greedy nature cannot guarantee the Peoples Democratic Party election in Ikot Ekpene…,” falls flat. It is the height of desperation ignobly attained by one man. We are members of the Peoples Democratic Party and we are the overwhelming majority. Ikot Ekpene, as a result of the honest leadership of and sincere efforts by Engr. Etido has achieved great and remarkable unity and we are consolidating on that for easy success in future elections. We maintain that Engr. Inyang is a huge political asset and of staggering electoral value. A simple opinion poll will only affirm this.
The failed attempt in the “open letter” to robe Engr. Inyang in acts of financial misconduct when he served as Special Adviser is not new; it has always failed and will continue to fail. There are agencies for financial crimes. The sensible thing one would have expected is for his accuser(s) to forward proofs to any or all of such agencies.
Finally, the generality of Ikot Ekpene people thank His Excellency, Deacon Udom Emmanuel for his affection towards the area. We commend His Excellency’s passionate commitment towards turning Akwa Ibom into an industrial hub. We re-affirm our unshakeable loyalty to your administration and commend Engr. Etido Inyang for being an honest and faithful servant.
We urge our governor not to be distracted by the antics of anti-progressive elements. We are satisfied with the public outing of Engr. Etido Inyang so far, and we believe in him.
Ifiok Okure – Chairman
Paulinus Okure – Secretary General