Akamkpa in the Eyes of Storm as Works Commissioner Allegedly Plans to Impose Mother-In-Law as Chairman

Cross River State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet, has been accused of allegedly pushing to impose his mother-in-law, as the consensus candidate for the chairmanship position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akamkpa Local Government Area. This controversial move, according to the accuser, comes after an attempt to allegedly promote his wife, for the same position, “A plan that was abandoned following widespread negative publicity.”

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the imposition was secured through an alleged 70 million Naira bribe allegedly paid to the committee responsible for screening the chairmanship aspirants. This alleged payment was reportedly made to ensure the candidacy is upheld, despite opposition from various quarters within the community and party structure.

One of the observers who hails from the LGA in an anonymous plea, expressed concerns that the Commissioner’s actions demonstrate a disregard for the interests of his community, which has several other qualified aspirants. The anonymous source argues that the push for the family member as the consensus candidate ignores the historical fact that Uyanga Ward, has never produced a chairman, unlike Iko Ward, which once had Hon. Ntufam Matthew Olory.

The action has raised eyebrows and stirred discontent, with many seeing the latest move as an attempt to consolidate personal and family influence over the local political landscape.

Earlier efforts to secure the Commissioner’s comments on the matter proved unsuccessful, as the phone line was unreachable. However, after several attempts, the Commissioner later responded, saying, “We’ll pass the message to you in our own way.” Read more HERE.

The politics surrounding the chairmanship race in Akamkpa has taken an ugly turn, with reports of scandalous dealings, including alleged attempts to use coercion and inducements to secure the top seat. According to insiders, the situation has deteriorated to a point where sex scandals are reportedly being exploited to influence decisions, casting a shadow over the local government’s political integrity.

The recent developments have left Akamkpa residents on edge, as the tussle for political dominance in the local government continues to unfold. Party stakeholders and community leaders are now closely watching the situation, awaiting clarity on who will ultimately emerge as the APC’s consensus candidate for the chairmanship race.

With tensions rising, many are hoping for a resolution that reflects fairness and respect for the wishes of the broader community, rather than the interests of a few individuals seeking to extend their influence through family ties as against micro zoning between the Ejagham and Dusanga Iyong Iyong, with the former having representation across their three political wards either as chairman or house of assembly member or both and Dusanga Iyong Iyong with Iko Ward producing both Chairman and house of assembly member and Uyanga has neither produced Chairman or house of assembly member except for vice chairmanship position.

Updated on 16th October 2024, following the Commissioner’s response which full details can be found HERE.