Date Published: 01/20/10

Editor,

Senator Lady Eme Ekaette in a fix

Reading the NEXT newspaper edition of Wednesday 6, January 2010 a story that showcased a serving Senator, Mrs. Eme Ekaette, visiting Governor Akpabio for support and endorsement in her bid for second term, I was in terms with the fact that she would not represent Akwa Ibom South Senatorial (Eket) district in the 2011. Judging from her request to, and reply from, Governor Akpabio, she should consider more efforts.

Senator Mrs. Eme Ekaette on the visit to the governor said “Your Excellency, as I have stood by you, please also stand by me and when I stand by you, I beg you to also support me.” The Senator who went to canvass the support of the governor in the forthcoming primaries to the senate seat further said “I have, therefore, come to inform you of my intention to go for a second term and to most respectfully ask for your fatherly support and endorsement to enable me actualize the aspirations and yearnings of my constituents.” Governor Akpabio’s response was simply “Whoever emerges as the senator for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial district at the pools should carry everyone along.”

If the governor’s response is not instructive enough to the Senator, she should realize that other persons have shown interest in the seat and they include Bishop Akpan of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Church who is the undisputed deputy chairman of the State PDP. Akpan is a strong supporter of Governor Akpabio. Moreover the way NEXT newspaper put it “Mrs. Ekaette is better known nationally for her support for the controversial ‘indecent dressing bill’ which seeks to prohibit ‘indecent’ dressing in public places”.  

I believe both Senator Ekaette and Governor Akpabio are deceiving one another. Take for instance out of desperation there was a paid advertisement as a communiqué in The Punch of 07/10/09 wherein it was stated of “an enlarged caucus meeting of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State” held on Sunday 27/9/09 to endorse Akpabio remaining in office till 2015; Mrs. Ekaette’s signature as well as that of Senator Udo Udoma who was out of the country then, were among those allegedly forged as attendees. This forgery is still fresh in the mind of the public.

Mr. Kingsley Ikpe Udo,

Plot 213 Goldie Street,

CALABAR, Cross River State