PDP, Akpabio trade words over Obot Akara attack

Elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the aegis of the Akwa Ibom Elders and Stakeholders forum and Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, traded words over the carnage in Obot-Akara Local Government Area of the state.

The mayhem, which occurred on the eve of last Saturday’s botched election, led to the death of two persons and the burning down of 13 INEC vehicles in the area.

The PDP elders, who addressed a press conference, at the banquet hall of the Government House, in Uyo, accused Senator Akpabio of masterminding the attack in order to cause panic and win the elections for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Former Military Administrator of the state, Idongesit Nkanga, accused Senator Akpabio of hiring thugs from neighbouring States.

Nkanga who is the Director-General, Mandate Organisation, further alleged that Akpabio had assured the thugs of protection from Aso Rock, the DSS, the Inspector General of Police and other paramilitary agencies.

”The conduct, last Saturday, in Obot Akara where INEC buses were burnt with election materials was masterminded by Senator Akpabio.”

But in a swift reaction on Friday, Senator Akpabio described the allegations as spurious, baseless and unfounded, adding that the elders were playing the victim complex of an impending defeat.

Akpabio who spoke through his Special Assistant Media, Anietie Ekong, said “The attention of the former Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio has been drawn to some spurious, baseless and unfounded statements credited to some Akwa Ibom Elders and Stakeholders on the forth-coming election.

”It beats our imagination that the Elders could call a press conference to spew lies and falsehood and make a crude attempt to blackmail President Muhammadu Buhari, all in the name of politics. But it follows a familiar pattern of crying wolf since the defection of Senator Akpabio to the All Progressives Congress.

He added, ”It is nonsensical for anyone to claim that Senator Akpabio held a meeting with unnamed security agencies in the state, and informed them that Mr. President has given permission for him to ‘kill and maim all opponents and that nothing will happen to any officer who carries out the instruction.’

”President Buhari is a responsible leader who is committed to the well being of all Nigerians and could not have given any instructions on innocent Nigerians to be maimed and killed. It is most irresponsible politics to drag in the name of the President.”