Monday 22 June 2015

Akpabio not controlling Emmanuel, says ex-commissioner, Aniekan Umanah



By Etim Ekpimah

A former Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, has dismissed reports that the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, is being controlled by his predecessor, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The All Progressives Congress had in a statement signed by its state chairman, Dr. Amadu Attai, accused Emmanuel of being controlled from Ukana, Akpabio’s country home.
The APC stated that most of those nominated for key positions by Emmanuel allegedly planned and executed mayhem, murder and rigging during the last general election in the state.
But Umanah, who spoke with journalists in Uyo on Sunday, said that there was no conflict between Emmanuel and Akpabio and that both men were working with other stakeholders to ensure the development of the state.
He said, “There is no feud between Senator Godswill Akpabio and the incumbent governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. Emmanuel made it clear during a public event that the enemies of the state should leave him and Akpabio alone.
“So leave Emmanuel and Akpabio alone. There is no feud between these two individuals. The relationship is cordial and, of course, they are working with other stakeholders in the interest and continued development of the state. So the governor is not under any form of pressure from Senator Akpabio.”
Umanah also condemned those criticising the list of commissioners sent by Emmanuel to lawmakers in the House of Assembly for approval. He said the governor had followed due process in the selection of those he would be working with.
He urged the people to look at the antecedents of the nominees before criticising the governor for a decision taken in the best interest of the state.

Culled from The Punch newspaper

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