Iniobong Sunday
Angry youths of Akon Itam community in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Monday, protested over the involuntary manslaughter of a couple along Calabar-Itu Highway by Senator Akon Eyakenyi’s convoy.
Eyakenyi representing Eket Senatorial District (Akwa Ibom South), in the National Assembly was returning to Uyo, the state capital from her campaign tour when the convoy’s cars hit the motorcycle conveying the couple.
The Senator is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy Governorship candidate and running mate to Pastor Umo Eno, the party’s flag-bearer in the upcoming polls in 2023.
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Speaking to our correspondent, one of the distraught youths, Comrade Utibe Inyang, explained that the convoy rammed into the couple on a motorcycle, while trying to navigate the ever busy Ikot Oku Ikono-Ekit Itam Highway connecting the neighbouring Calabar, Cross River state.
He maintained that what exacerbated the anger of the people stemmed from the poor handling of the compensation package of a paltry N2 million the Senator gave to the bereaved family to quell the case.
“The husband and wife killed by her convoy died and left behind three young children. So, the pains we are still feeling now is because of the disdainful attitude demonstrated by the Deputy Governorship candidate without considering how these young orphans would be trained and developed without their parents,” he explained.
Straightnews gathered that some officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), invited to manage traffic at the scene were alleged to have been injured and their patrol vehicle damaged by the local residents.
But, the state Corps Commander, Mr. Matthew Olonisaye, who spoke with our correspondent, said “only our vehicle was vandalized,” adding that the situation had been brought under control and normalcy has returned.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi, said calm has returned following fruitful negotiation for them to embrace peace, adding that for timely intervention, the youths were on the verge of torching some vehicles in the convoy.
Senator’s earlier reaction
The press statement reads: “We have been inundated with calls and concerns from friends, colleagues, associates, supporters and well wishers over the safety of the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South District and PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, following reports of an accident that occurred yesterday, December 23, 2022, around the Obong-Itam stretch of the Calabar-Itu Highway, and hereby declare that the Distinguished Senator is safe, hale and hearty.
“Senator Eyakenyi was on her way to represent the PDP Governorship Candidate, Pst. Umo Eno at an event in Uruan LGA, when a hit and run driver in a Toyota Sienna ran into a motorbike conveying a lady at an intersection, throwing both the rider and passenger into the right of way of the vehicle that conveyed the Senator.
“The unprovoked attack on the Senator’s vehicle as shown in some section of the media, was only perpetuated by people seeking to make political capital from the unfortunate situation as eyewitnesses battled in vain to absolve the convoy of any wrongdoing in the incidence, even as Senator Eyakenyi stood by to rein-in her security aides from getting confrontational with the irate mob.
“Our office has reported the incident to the Police, hoping the hit and run driver is identified, while restarting commitment to helping the Police establish closure on the matter. We hereby commiserate families of victims of yesterday’s unfortunate occurrence and frown at every attempt at politicising the avoidable spill.
“Once again, Senator Akon Eyakenyi wishes Akwa Ibom people a peaceful and remarkable Christmas.”
