Akpabio Denies Rift With Gov. Emmanuel

Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio has denied reports of involvement in a rift with his successor, Governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel.

The former governor described such insinuations as political propaganda, noting that he cannot be in a feud with an administration that Ikot Ekpene senatorial district played a significant role in its emergence.

Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Anietie Ekong said he was satisfied with the performance of Governor Emmanuel contrary to reports.

“It is obvious that the concerns raised by the senator during the end-of-year stakeholders’ meeting organised by the deputy governor, that all was not well, was misunderstood and political jobbers sought to feast on it.

“What the Senator said was that their House should be put in order so that the votes from Ikot Ekpene senatorial district would be put intact for Governor Emmanuel in the next election.

“Akpabio is satisfied that the areas of concern raised by the stakeholders, which were further explained by the governor during the follow-up meeting with him, to the satisfaction of the stakeholders present at the meeting were receiving the attention of the government.

“Ikot Ekpene senatorial district would stand by Emmanuel and pledged the support of the people towards the re-election of the governor with it’s over 500,000 votes.”

Akpabio commended Governor Emmanuel for restoring peace in Ukanfun council by eliminating a notorious militant ‘Iso Akpafid’ who had been terrorising the people.

He further cautioned those making inciting statements to create a rift between him and the governor for personal gains to desist from it.

Akpabio sued for peace in the state and advised politicians to desist from politics of hatred and blackmail which would not augur well for the unity of the state.