Date Published: 10/29/09

Dear Editor,

Mirroring Nigeria Political Office Holders (Part 1)

I shall be analyzing (and using the word “alleged”) what I gather from the media about some of our political leaders. This time, I am taking on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio.  It is like he does not keep long relationships.  

EMIS Telecommunications Limited, with one Mr. Emeka Onwuegbuzia as its Chairman/CEO, allegedly offered Akpabio initial appointment as Company Secretary; Akpabio allegedly ended on the side of those that eventually sacked Onwuegbuzia and Akpabio rose to become the EMIS Acting Managing Director, from where he joined Attah’s cabinet about nine years ago.

A respected Nigerian, Lady of Songs, Chief (Mrs.) Christy Essien Igbokwe, MFR, alleged to have played great roles in Akpabio’s personal (and official) life, from EMIS Telecommunications to even being instrumental for his present wife; Akpabio on becoming governor, fought her and her family business for no just cause.

One Chief Fidelis Etim, who is said to be Attah’s personal friend and whom allegedly, took him (Akpabio) to Attah to be appointed Commissioner; the man now do not have access to the governor. 

Ex-governor Victor Attah who Akpabio claims, when it suits him, as his political father; the story is still on. Attah retained Akpabio as Commissioner for four years in the strategic Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to enable him permeate the grass-root that eventually helped him to become governor. Attah was advised by some traditional rulers and some PDP stalwarts to sack Akpabio from his cabinet but he ignored them.

Dr. Andy Uba, one of Obasanjo’s aides who allegedly led Akpabio to Obj that anointed him the PDP flag bearer for the governorship election; there is now no love lost between the duos.

The former NDDC Chairman, Ambassador Sam Edem, allegedly fought all forces, including Attah, raised funds and supported Akpabio to clinch the governorship seat; his relationship now with Akpabio, is a public knowledge.

Lastly, but not exhaustively, is a man, Senator John (Akpan)Udoedeghe, who was the head of Akpabio’s kitchen cabinet as the Chairman of Akpabio Campaign Organization that actualized his present position as governor; the Senator who Akpabio succeeded in removing as FCT Minister of State, accused Akpabio administration of not only sponsoring political kidnappings and murders in Akwa Ibom but also the foiled kidnap attempt on his aged mother.   

Then I ask what character Akpabio bears after all these present. Hence, the larger majority Akwa Ibom people fear if he be given a second term ticket, the worse may likely. If so, they need to extract a registered promise of change from him first

Dr. Peter Kosowei

Plot 1421 Aba RoadPort Harcourt, Rivers State.