Plans by the Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Bassey Albert, to scuttle the constitution of a new cabinet by Governor Udom Emmanuel and set him on collision part with the people of Ibiono Ibom have been uncovered.
Information before Ibom Telegraph has confirmed a meeting, at the instance Senator Bassey Albert, at the office of former Commissioner Etop Idung, 203 Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo, on Tuesday by 3pm.
Investigation has also revealed that one Hon Andy was charged with the task of syndicating and circulating the invite for the meeting.
A source, Chief Raphael Otobong, hinted Ibom Telegraph that the essence of the meeting, according to Senator Bassey Albert, was to enable them gather signatures that will in turn be attached to a purported communiqué to protest the choice of Governor Udom Emmanuel for the Commissioner slot of Ibiono Ibom.
The source further said “I perceive Bassey Albert want to run a smear campaign against the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and a few honourable sons of Ibiono Ibom just to pave way for 2023 ambition. And for me, it is the height of immaturity and umpatriotism. Political relevance does not call for this.”
Chief Otobong expressed displeasure over what he called unwarranted quest for political relevance and an attempt to hit up the polity of Akwa Ibom State as well as dragging the person of Governor Udom Emmanuel to the mud.
Another source, Mr. Akai Anana, who spoke with Ibom Telegraph, said “we have been briefed of the need to protest the appointment a certain Professor of Agriculture into the cabinet of Governor Udom Emmanuel as a Commissioner by our leader, the Senator. Our leader said the Agriculture Professor does not deserve to be in Udom Emmanuel’s cabinet even if he is the Governor’s choice. He has also advised us to unequivocally protest his appointment, though the final position will be given tomorrow at a strategic meeting scheduled to hold at 203 Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo.”
Mr. Anana, who somewhat toed the path of Chief Otobong, said “We are equally aware of the many sponsored media attack by our leader, the Senator, against some of our sons and daughters. For purposes of information and emphasis, I would want the public, particularly the people of Ibiono Ibom, to beware of the seed of disharmony, disunity, acrimony sown by the Senator. Appointment of any son or daughter of Ibiono Ibom into the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council is entirely the Governor’s discretion. So, sponsoring people to protest against it does not speak well of the people of Ibiono Ibom.”
A stakeholder, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, cautioned the sponsor and conveners of the purported meeting, saying “Ibiono Ibom sons and daughters should at all time refrain themselves from being used as tools of destabilization. They should stand in the side of progress, development and togetherness as offered by Governor Udom Emmanuel. They should not make themselves be used as vices by political jobbers”
