Date Published: 03/19/10

Sir,

Obong Victor Attah not an ethnic alarmist

I do not seem to agree with the statements which were credited to our governor Godswill Akpabio in the Nigerian Tribune newspaper of 18/02/10 insinuating that Attah is a tribal jingoist. Though I am an Annang as Akpabio and Attah is an Ibibio, many would agree with my view. Furthermore, in Akwa Ibom, we have only one tribal language; the only thing is that we have dialectical differences; therefore people should know how to use the word ‘tribe’ as it relates to Akwa Ibom.

We are also very much aware that Obong Victor Attah’s only daughter is married to an Annang man; likewise his only son has an Annang woman as wife. Therefore, accusing Attah of being a tribal (or ethnic) jingoist is in bad taste. Attah from all indications does not hate Akpabio; if he did, he (Attah) would not have retained him as Commissioner (for six years) and mostly for the grass-root Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs that further prepared him for what he is today. Even though the advertisement that Attah signed together with Senator Akpanudoedehe, Air Commodore Sam Ewang and Idongesit Udokpo on behalf of an Ibibio Forum may have sounded ethnical, it was done in a matured way and also because of what they believe was going on that calls for a stop.

Nevertheless, I want to borrow a portion from that Ibibio Forum’s advertisement that said “The Forum reminds all the people of Akwa Ibom State that, if a finger is injured the entire hand is affected and therefore urges all Akwa Ibomites to stand together to fight these evil developments that threaten the unity and security of our people.”

Akwa Ibomites, including retired but intelligent General Edet Akpan, know that accusing Senator James Akpanudoedeghe as the mastermind of the kidnappings including that of (General Edet Akpan) is diversionary and could be a search for an alibi favouring those that actually arranged the kidnappings. The people know what is going on and at any appropriate time do and would continue to rise up (silently or/and otherwise) against any plan considered devilish or inimical to the peace and progress of Akwa Ibom State.

Udy Etop Akpabio

Umuahia Road, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State