Onofiok Luke disassociates self from attack on political opponent

Onofiok Luke

By Nse Peter

The representative of Nsit Ubium State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Onofiok Luke has disassociated himself from an opinion article disparaging his political opponent, Mr. Ekokoi Solomon who is seeking to contest against Luke for the House of Assembly ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The article, authored by a journalist named Ubong Sampson, and published, Tuesday, in the Community Pulse newspaper, severely attacked Ekokoi Solomon, calling him ‘errand boy,’ ‘stooge’,  ‘chaff’ and ‘comic with underdeveloped talents’ while alleging that he (Solomon) was part of a ‘political deceit’ against Nsit Ubium.

Sampson’s article, though appeared to be a reaction to one that was earlier written by Mr. Ekokoi Solomon against Mr. Luke, was obviously to rubbish Luke’s opponent and portray him as not being a good enough alternative to Luke in the forthcoming election.  “Can one find anything interesting and useful in a refuse bin?” the article said derogatory of Ekokoi Solomon.

But Onofiok Luke has come out publicly to wash his hands off the said article, describing Ekokoi Solomon as “a brother and friend whom he holds in very high esteem.”

The House of Assembly member who is currently attending AU-sponsored youth forum in Nairobi, Kenya, spoke through a public statement signed by his media assistant, Mr. Kufre Okon. He said the opinion in the article by Ubong Sampson does not represent his views and thoughts, and that his style of politics is about discussing issues and not people.

“He (Onofiok Luke) appreciates the author of this article in trying to show him support, but noted that this should not be at the expense of another person's or perceived opponent's good image,” the statement noted. “Luke is an ardent believer in the possibility of playing politics without rancor and bitterness. He thinks it is only in a peaceful and tolerant political environment that public good can be better met.”

Both Luke and Solomon are barristers.

The attitude of Onofiok Luke in distancing himself from attack on political opponent is a rare occurrence in Akwa Ibom politics where mudslinging and outright blackmail seem to be a constant feature.

Recently, one Uwem Umanah, a younger brother to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah derogatorily described the former governor of the state, Obong Victor Attah as being senile. (in case you missed the story, read it here)

“In my context, senility means, ‘Weakness of the brain resulting from old age’. Having defined senility, how many elders do their brains get stronger from their 70s? While I don't expect mine to be, Attah's can't be either!”  Uwem Umanah said in his defence when asked by many people to retract his statement and apologise to Obong Attah.

Till date, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah is yet to come out to disassociate himself from the statement made by his younger brother against the former governor.