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From: Joe Effiong, Uyo
The former state secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom, Mr Ibanga Akpabio and wife, Patience, have been summoned to appear before the shrine of Afe Nkuku Annang, the apex traditional institution in Annang land, Akwa Ibom State, over his wife’s malicious statements against Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
Ibanga Akpabio, who also served as commissioner in the former Gov. Udom Emmanuel 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 the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Umo Eno.
Alarmed by the assumedly embarrassing family fued, the Afe Nkuku Annang issued communiqué yesterday as signed by their President, HRM Obong Cosmas Okon Akpan, through which they expressed deep concern over Patience Akpabio’s statements, and described same as vulgar and unguarded.
The traditional rulers noted that as a member of the Akpabio family through marriage, Patience Akpabio should have upheld the decorum and dignity associated with her marital home and the Annang nation.
The Afe stated, “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 7-day ultimatum to appear before them 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, emphasizing the importance of respecting traditional norms and culture.
The communiqué read, “The Forum hereby gives Barr. Ibanga Akpabio, her husband, a seven (7) days ultimatum to appear before the Afe Nkuku Annang alongside his wife, Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio, for clarification and possible cleansing in line with Annang traditional norms and culture.”
The forum also warned Patience Akpabio and others against further attacks on respected leaders from Annang land, citing the need to protect the dignity and unity of the land.
They emphasized 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 cautioned,
“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 from all baseless accusations made by Patience Akpabio, reaffirming their solidarity with the two leaders.
They 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.
The traditional rulers’ reaction underscores the importance of respecting traditional institutions and the need for individuals to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes peace and unity. The Afe Nkuku Annang’s stance is expected to send a strong message to those who may be contemplating similar actions.
In reaffirming their support for Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno, the Afe Nkuku Annang emphasized the need for all members of the Annang community to work together to promote the development and progress of the region.
