-Coerces councilors, political office holders for endorsement
In a desperate move to save his face from the wide rejection that greeted his political leadership ambition in Mkpat Enin local government area, Akwa Ibom Works Commissioner, Prof. Eno Ibanga has launched his allies on a mission to buy or forcefully obtain signatures from relevant stakeholders to support his political leadership.
This is perceived to be a quick reaction on the part of Ibanga to the position taken by stakeholders of the area through a message issued by Mkpat Enin Unity Network and published in various reputable print and online mediums in the state.
The said message had the stakeholders question the process through which Ibanga was named political leader, and faulted the fact that the decision was hasty and executed by a few whose number was too insignificant for such decision, without consulting or even notifying the larger part of the stakeholders in the area which includes a serving senator, former deputy governor and a host of others.
Our reporter gathered from a reliable source that as of Wednesday, August 2, 2023, political allies of the works commissioner were calling and visiting stakeholders and begging for their signatures to back up a public statement to be issued in the media in support of Prof. Ibanga.
The source who is a serving councillor in the area hinted our reporter that while the sum of one hundred thousand (N100,000) naira is offered as inducement, those involved are also using threats and blackmail against whoever tries to turn them down.
According to the councillor, “Prof’s desperation is becoming sickening and someone needs to advise him before he ignorantly digs a well and buries his political career with his own hands.
“As I am talking to you seven councilors have signed in support of Prof. Eno Ibanga’s desperation and many other people are also persuaded to join the political frenzy.”
