Akpan’s conviction political, we’ll ensure his victory even from prison, says group

Akwa Ibom League of Professionals have expressed support for the governorship ambition of Senator Bassey Akpan, saying his recent conviction was politically motivated to stop him from winning the 2023 election.

Speaking in Lagos, yesterday, the group, which comprises Akwa Ibom indigenes from different professions, said they were behind Akpan and that they were optimistic Court of Appeal would vindicate him.

President of the group, Clement Obot, said: “We are not deceived by the recent miscarriage of justice visited on our dear brother, Senator Bassey Akpan, and we urge all Akwa Ibom indigenes not to be deceived as the truth of evil plot will be revealed soon.
“We know his trial and conviction was politically motivated to decapitate his political ambition and annihilate credible opposition that would deliver Akwa Ibom citizens from tyranny and bad leadership.

“Bassey has distinguished himself as a selfless politician, whose driving force is the welfare of his people and the prosperity of Akwa Ibom State. He is a worthy ambassador of our state and we are behind him at this moment of travail, which we believe would soon pass.”
Also, Secretary of the body, Imoh Ekwere, urged Akwa Ibom indigenes to go out en masse and vote for Akpan in the coming election, saying he would be among the few politicians that would win elections from the prison.

He said: “Akwa Ibom indigenes should not be deceived by this development, which is an attempt to silence the only hope of opposition to bad leadership and imposition in the state. Our people should not be deceived by this cleverly orchestrated judgment to entrench tyranny in Akwa Ibom State.

“Senator Akpan represents hope for the future of Akwa Ibom and we urge our people not to be discouraged by this setback, which will be set aside soon. We are hopeful Akpan will win the 2023 Akwa Ibom State governorship even if it has to be from the prison.”