Disgraceful defeat awaits Akpabio, Don Etiebet warns

Former Minister of Petroleum, Don Etiebet, has advised the immediate past Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Godswill Akpabio, to withdraw from the senatorial race or face defeat at the polls next year.

Etiebet predicted that the defeat that awaits Akpabio would be more disgraceful than the one he suffered in 2019.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart said it was the turn of Abak 5 Federal Constituency to occupy the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District seat, and not Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, where Akpabio hails from.

He asked Akpabio to toe the path of honour by stepping down from the senatorial race for DIG Udom Ekpoudom (rtd) to fly the APC Senatorial flag for Akwa Ibom North West in next year’s election.

“Since 1960, Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency has gone to the Senate three times, whereas Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency has gone five times, with Akpabio’s family twice in Nsima Akpabio and Godswill Akpabio, whereas Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency has not gone even once.

“The four federal constituencies of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam, Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara, Ini/Ikono, Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika, make up Akwa Ibom North West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District and it is the considered opinion of all peace-loving people of Annang land that “Brother dey chop, brother no chop” is not good. And that this time round, the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, which has not gone to the Senate since 1960 should be given the ticket,” he said.

Etiebet argued that even the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has agreed that Abak 5 should produce the next senator for the district.

“In the PDP, Senator Christopher Ekpenyong from Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency has stepped down for Emmanuel Enoidem from Etim Ekpo and Abak Federal Constituency,” he added.