Like Tsunami, the political rivalry between Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel and Senator Godswill Akpabio rocking the foundation of the state is gradually sweeping away its victims into the cascading tide.
The first victim was Udo Ekpenyong, the commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs. He was booted out on the allegation that he insulted Akpabio.
However, Moses Ekpo, the state deputy governor who is said to be the next victim has been ordered to resign or be impeached by Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, StraightNews has gathered.
It is believed that the power-that-be in the state is unhappy with Ekpo over his fraternity with Akpabio, then the state governor who was the arrowhead in ushering Ekpo to the exalted position.
It is learnt that on the eve of New Year Ekpo gathered some stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Ikot Ekpene senatorial district where Senator Akpabio’s statement rocked the political boat that has now degenerated into a full-blown fight with Udom.
A reliable source in Government House, Uyo confided in StraightNews that the number 2 citizen seen to be loyal to Akpabio, his political benefactor has been given up to the end of January to resign or be impeached.
“If he fails to tender his letter of resignation, the state government would wield a big axe against by submitting impeachable offences against him to the House of Assembly to commence the process of sacking him,” the source stated.
“In the House of 26 members, the governor would be able to secure a two-third majority from the members to help in sending the deputy governor packing. I think since he has no solid political base and financial muscle to flex, he should honourably resign to save his face,” the source advised.
A family source of Ekpo hinted StraightNews that this development has unsettled him forcing him to make frantic efforts to reach out to many personalities particularly within the Catholic community to call a truce in saving the plum job.
The deputy governor, according to the source, summoned an enlarge meeting of Catholic priests and some close political gladiators on Saturday, January 13 in his country home in Abak town to find lasting solution to the political impasse.
Though the outcome of the secret meeting was not made public, the deputy governor may not succeed in securing the position as his boss has made up his mind to ‘flush’ him out from the system to make room for his loyalist who is a younger person, StraightNews was told.
A close aide to the deputy governor who spoke with StraightNews in confidence confirmed that he was aware of the development, noting that it would save him as he rarely parts with money. “Many staff working with him do not enjoy a cordial working relationship,” the aide pointed out.
Apart from that, the aide said the deputy governor refused to build political goodwill through generosity, a situation, he thought, would pose an uphill task for people to support his cause or even try to save the position.
It is, however, speculated that the position may be given to Okon Obot, a one-time commissioner for housing in the state also an indigene of Abak urban in Abak Local Government Area. Hon. Imo Ibokette, a one-time majority leader in Akwa Ibom House of Assembly and a one-time PDP Vice chairman, Akwa Ibom North Senatorial District also from Abak urban is also a keen contender for the position.
