Usenobong Explains Why Akwa Ibom Is Boiling

Usenobong Explains Why Akwa Ibom Is Boiling

THE remote cause of the current political bloodletting and ethnic violence in Akwa Ibom State has statrted to filter into the open as tempers continue to rise in the state. This is coming as some 40 persons are feared killed in Abak Local Government Area of the state in clashes between supporters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Uduak Abasi Usenobong, a political watcher, says the curent reign of violence statrted when the ACN governorship candidate, Akpan Udoedeghe, went to Ikot Ekpene, believed to be one of the strongholds of Governor Godswill Akpabio, with his supporters to ''peacefully campaign as it is his right to do so, and without provocation'' was pre-emptively attacked by thugs suspected to be loyal to Akpabio.

The alleged thugs unleashed terror on the ACN campaign team leading to some dead, others , maimed andsome of the party's campaign vehicles burnt. ''That is what ignited this round of violence, pure and simple'', he said.

A correspondent of AkanimoReports also gathered that Udoedeghe's supporters in Uyo, the state capital, and home of the ACN governorship candidate, on hearing this, retaliated and vented their spleen on anything connected to the Akpabio administration, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or Governor Akpabio and in the process also killed, maimed people and destroyed vehicles and property.

''That is what happened on Tuesday in Akwa Ibom, pure and simple'', Usenobong said.

Putting the development in historical context, he said, ''this is not the first time this scenario playing out. An exact scenario of PDP attack played out at Ibiono Ibom during an ACN campaign. Also Udoedeghe's wife suffered harassment by PDP thugs whent she went to Ikot Ekpene to inform her people that their in-law intends to run for the office of the governor of the state. If you or anybody is aware of any instance of an unprovoked and pre-emptive attack on the PDP by ACN thugs, please educate me''.

While tongues are wagging in the state, Usenobong is insisting that any other account or 'spin' to the reality ''is simply the product of a warped and depraved mind who can't think beyond political spin and illicit posturing''.

ENDS

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