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 |
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