Joe Effiong, Uyo
A former chapter chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who defected with more than 20,000 members of the party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, have raised alarm over threat to his life.
Addressing a press conference, in Uyo, on Tuesday, the former chapter chairmen who spoke through their former chairman of chairmen, Mr. Joseph Amah said they and other defectors were molested, on Monday, on their way back from the rally by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by their former party.
The former state chapter chairman and ward officers of the APC said the former party chiefs, who recently diverted their support base to Governor Udom Emmanuel, told the press that the former chapter chairmen of Nsit Atai, Eket, Ikot Ekpene and other former APC stalwarts were harassed and intimidated.
“Our members in their thousands trooped out and colourfully celebrated their freedom from political oppressions and unending impunity, as practiced in the APC.
“Thereafter, as our people were heading home joyously to share the good news of redemption with their kith and kin, they were molested on the road by hoodlums sponsored by the APC”.
“In Nsit Atai, the former chapter chairman’s vehicle was attacked and his tyres destroyed, in Ibesikpo Asutan, Eket and Ikot Ekpene, the former APC stalwarts were harassed and intimidated.
“This ugly situation is most reprehensible and must be totally condemned.
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“This press conference is to alert the entire public that if anything bad happens to us, Chief Godswill Akpabio, Obong Nsima Ekere, Uyo Nathaniel and Chief Sunny Ibanga should be held responsible.
“Having not yielded to their pressures to remain in their evil political coven, they have resorted to threats and violence.
“In the days ahead, we will expose the contents of the play book of the APC and how they hope to overrun the state with federal might,” the statement read.
Amah also said their suspicion and the names mentioned were based on earlier moves, threats and phone calls to prevent them from defecting from the APC, having been tired of “the systematic deceit, strategic economic demobilisation and share lack of focus by the leadership of the APC.
“Prior to yesterday’s event, there were spirited moves to prevent us from holding the event but we gallantly marched on, knowing that the true measure of a man isn’t where he stands in moment of comfort and conveniences. Our members in their thousands trooped out and colourfully celebrated their freedom from political oppression and unending impunity, as practiced in the APC,” he added.
As at the time of filing this report, neither the APC or Akpabio’s camp was yet to react to the allegation.