Media aide to ex-A’Ibom speaker labels Uruan people witches: “They can now fly easily”

Mr. Otobong Nsekpong stirs controversy

By Nse Peter

Otobong Nsekpong, media aide to the immediate past Akwa Ibom speaker, Sam Ikon, caused a stir on Facebook, Tuesday, with a comment which labels the people of Uruan as witches and trivializes their travails over the recent demolition of buildings in Ekpene Ukim and its environs.

“They can now fly easily,” Mr. Nsekpong commented on Facebook while reacting to the news headline “AFTERMATH OF GOV UDOM’S POLITICAL REVENGE: Hundreds Of Uruan Indigenes Now Sleep in Waterproof Tents” published in The Guide newspaper.

Nsekpong is from Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

One social commentator in Uyo who is knowledgeable about Akwa Ibom socio-religious beliefs explained to Think Akwa Ibom! that Nsekpong’s comment could be interpreted to mean that he is calling Uruan people witches. “It’s derogatory. It is an insult against the people of Uruan. I don’t know what may have prompted the young man to write such. He shouldn’t have written it,” he said.

Mr. Essien Inyang, a journalist from Uyo responded angrily on Facebook to Nsekpong’s comment against Uruan. “Despite your level of education, you are still reasoning like stockfish,” Inyang told Nsekpong.

Inyang in an interview with Think Akwa Ibom! said it is true that Nsekpong through his comment is labeling Uruan people as witches.

“The statement is provocative and it is a slap on Uruan people. Otobong Nsekpong is a fool to have called Uruan People a witch,” Inyang said, while asking him to retract the comment or be ready to face the consequences.

Inyang said some people have called him privately to express their anger over Nsekpong’s comment.  “Those he (Nsekpong) mocked today in the guise of supporting government may be those he will seek help from, tomorrow,” he said.

Screenshot capturing Nsekpong's comment on Facebook