Couple summoned to Annang shrine over attack on Akpabio

From Joe Effiong, Uyo

Former state secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  in Akwa Ibom, Mr. Ibanga Akpabio and wife, Patience, have been summoned before the shrine of Afe Nkuku Annang, the apex traditional institution in Annang land, Akwa Ibom State, over  malicious statements against Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.

Ibanga Akpabio, who also served as commissioner in the former Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration, ran into trouble with his kinsmen over his wife’s consistent rants on social media allegedly casting aspersions on the offices and persons of Akpabio and Governor Eno.

Alarmed by the assumedly embarrassing family feud, the Afe Nkuku Annang in a communiqué signed by its President, Obong Cosmas Okon Akpan, expressed concern over Patience Akpabio’s statements, which it described as vulgar and unguarded.

“The Afe Nkuku Annang strongly condemns the vulgar and unguarded statements attributed to Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio, who, being married into Annangland and specifically into the distinguished Akpabio Family of Essien Udim Local Government Area, is expected to uphold the decorum and dignity associated with her marital home and the Annang nation.”

The Afe thus gave Ibanga Akpabio a seven-day ultimatum to appear before it with his wife for clarification and possible cleansing, failure of which they would face drastic punitive sanctions.

The traditional rulers warned that failure to comply would be met with severe consequences, emphasising the importance of respecting traditional norms and culture.

The forum also warned Patience Akpabio and others against further attacks on respected leaders from Annangland, citing the need to protect the dignity and unity of the land.

The monarchs emphasised that any further actions would be met with drastic traditional and moral measures to defend truth, dignity and the unity of Annangland.

“The Afe Nkuku Annang issues a serious warning to Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio and any other individual(s) who may contemplate similar actions to desist forthwith from unwarranted verbal or social media attacks against the Senate President, the State Governor, and other respected leaders from Annang land/Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in particular and Akwa Ibom State at large.”

The Afe Nkuku Annang exonerated Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno of accusations made by Patience Akpabio, reaffirming its solidarity with the two leaders.

The forum praised Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno for their leadership, commitment to good governance and contributions to the peace and development of Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State.