…Monarchs Kick, Vow to Place Curse on Ex-Governor
As part of his vow to assume control of every socio-cultural group in Annang land and use it to frustrate Mr. Udom Emmanuel’s reelection, Senator Godswill
Akpabio has concluded plans to float a new group as a means to counter Afe Annang.
The new group, it was gathered, is to be christened Atai Afe Annang. Among other things, the hurriedly formed group, it was learnt, is designed to reduce the influence of the famous and supreme socio-cultural organization in Annang land, Afe Annang.
The immediate past Senate Minority Leader, a source said, is angry that Afe Annang, led by HRH Akuku Pius Effiong Eside, has thrown its weight behind the second term ambition of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Recently, Afe Annang scheduled a meeting at its secretariat at Ebebit, Afaha Obong, but the embattled Senator allegedly sponsored some youths to cause mayhem at the venue and chase away the Royal Fathers and elders on the pretext that compensation was not paid on the land.
Determined to hold the meeting, the monarchs and other elders moved the meeting to Independence Hall, Abak.
Incensed by the former governor’s attitude, many elders in Annang land have described his (Akpabio’s) action as the height of desperation and desecration of the traditional institution.
Some Paramount Rulers in the area have vowed to place a curse on the Senator should he continue with his lack of respect for elders especially the traditional institution.
Meanwhile, those recruited by the Senator to form a parallel association say the Senator is ready to fund the new group to ridicule Afe Annang for no just cause other than his anger that the apex socio-cultural organisation in Annang land is determined to support Governor Emmanuel’s reelection.
A senior citizen from Abak who spoke with our reporter on the ugly development, said the Annangs respect traditional institutions and wondered if the senator is truly an Annang man. He pointed out that Mr Isong Akpabio had once said that the Senator was not a member of the Akpabio family. This, he said, Justifies why he (Godswill Akpabio) once said he should not be buried in Annang land when he dies.
Akpabio’s recent move is part of his spirited effort to render Afe Annang voiceless in Annang land having failed to assume control of the group in November through Dr. Chris Akpan, a former Commissioner in the state and his cronies.
It could be recalled that Senator Akpabio’s plot to hijack the group was firmly resisted at the meeting held at Independence Hall, Abak in November this year by the the Akuku Pius Eside led group who have committed themselves to the second term project of Governor Udom Emmanuel in view of the Governor’s sterling performance and in accordance with the principle of justice, equity and fairness having supported other senatorial districts for 8 years shot at the governorship.
It could be recalled that the senator has lately so desperate and had to attack a Bishop of Methodist Church in his local government for stopping the senator’s wife from campaigning for APC in the church.
