Date Published: 07/06/10

Sir,

2011: Calling attention of President and NSA on the Akwa Ibom's senseless killings

Reading the stories of three online blogs on 4/7/10 – Saharareporters (“Akpabio’s Kidnap Squad On The Prowl In Akwa Ibom: Mother Of Rival Killed, Dumped In Street”); Africanexaminer and Xclusivenigeria (“2011: Bloodbath Imminent In Akwa Ibom; Journalists for Niger Delta, JODEL, Warns”), I was disturbed that avoidable bad situations are being allowed to be.  

The Saharareporters story posted with it, a picture of IGP Ogbonna Onovo and Governor Godswill Akpabio, both posing with smiles as Onovo was receiving a souvenir from Akpabio when he visited Uyo in connection with one Paul Inyang’s murder. Onovo on return to Abuja, probably acting a script, ordered the arrest of Senator Akpan Udoedehe; Akpabio’s rival. Yet Onovo and Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Walter Rugbere could not arrest any of the killers of Singapore-based shipbuilder, Engineer Udonwa’s (another Akpabio’s rival) mother. Walter Rugbere (in the media) claimed that the kidnappers eventually killed Lady Udonwa because Udonwa’s family failed to announce that Engineer Udonwa was dead. This stupid submission alone was enough to arrest and prosecute Walter Rugbere as he seems working with some kidnappers. Lady Udonwa’s husband, Sir Udonwa, confirmed (This Day 3/7/10) that the kidnappers called and warned that their son must back out from governorship contest.

The Africanexaminer and Xclusivenigeria story also touched on the two issues as in Saharareproters’ but reminded readers of past reports where suspected government-sponsored kidnap squad members were always released from detention under some guises. There are outstanding issues like the one affecting former Commissioner in Akpabio’s cabinet, Dr. Chris Ekong, whose case is being frustrated by government for fear he would spill the beans. The story also touched on some high-profile kidnappings like that of the former NYSC Director, General Edet Akpan, etc.

There is probable fear everywhere in Akwa Ibom. Couldn’t President Jonathan and the National Security Adviser do something? Why would it not be considered that INEC must disqualify all those governors in the stead of Akwa Ibom’s, from 2011 elections? Let the spirit of all innocent ones killed fight back.

Dr. Segun Osobu, Osborne Road, Ikoyi-Lagos

osobus@yahoo.com