Minister of state, petroleum(gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo is still battling to keep his head above the waters, after his constituents petitioned the president, Bola Tinubu, requesting that he be relieved of his position.
Although, TNN learnt that his aggressors may have been instigated by forces outside his Ika domain, largely because he is seen to have angered some influential persons from the state, over his 2031 gubernatorial ambition.
Ekpo has been suspected to making frantic moves to secure a structure that would enhance his ascension to the office of governor, in 2031, when Pastor Umo Eno would have finished his tenure.
TNN learnt that Ekpo’s political manoeuvring does not sit well with his political leaders in the state. Last week, some APC chieftains from the 29 out of 31 Local government Areas of the state, in a letter to Tinubu, said Ekpo’s actions had become a liability to the party’s unity and success in the state.
Although, the minister has since denied the allegation, saying he has done nothing to scatter the party and the allegations by the party members were false.
The letter was signed by Rt Hon Michael Essien (Ini), Obong Anthony John (Itu), Comrade Victor Okon (Uruan), Pst David Udoh (Ibiono Ibom), Lawrence Edet (Uyo), David Linus-Ibesikpo (Ibesikpo Asutan) local government areas
Others are Asua Effiong (Etinan), Vincent Etuk (Nsit Atai), Samuel Samuel (Abak), Emmanuel Chris, (Ika)
Iniemem Effiong (Ikot Ekpene), Edidiong Okon (Mkpat Enin), Steve Udofia, (Ikot Abasi) among others.
In it, they said the minister’s “actions and behaviour have become a liability to the party’s unity and success in the state, and we strongly believe that it is in the best interest of the party and the nation to consider his immediate sack.
“It has come to our attention that the Minister is placing his inordinate gubernatorial ambition above the party’s interest and your re-election bid in 2027. His selfish interests are clouding his judgment, and he is more focused on positioning himself for a future political contest than on delivering results for the party.
“We find it unacceptable that a minister entrusted with the responsibility of managing a critical sector of the economy is more concerned with his personal political ambitions.
“We are also deeply disturbed by the Minister’s role in sowing seeds of discord between the Senate President and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. His actions are undermining the party’s unity and creating divisions that are detrimental to our collective success. For the APC to succeed in Akwa Ibom State, we need a minister who is a grassroots political general, not someone who is busy amassing wealth at the expense of party unity.
“Moreover, it has been brought to our notice that the Minister is using fronts to corner strategic gas investments for himself and his family. This blatant conflict of interest is unacceptable and raises serious questions about his integrity and commitment to public service. His boastful claims of being one of the ten richest politicians in the South-South are a clear indication of his priorities, which are misaligned with the values of the APC.
“We urge you, Mr. President, to take immediate action to address this situation and ensure that the APC remains a formidable force in Akwa Ibom State. We are confident that with your leadership and vision, the party will continue to thrive and deliver results for the Nigerian people”, the letter stated in parts.
Reacting to the letter, the Minister’s director of Media and Publicity, Mr Louis Ibah, dismissed the petition as shallow, frivolous and a substance less attempt by self-seeking individuals to undermine the good reputation the minister has built over the years.”
Even with the denial and the minister’s efforts to wriggle out of the trouble, TNN learnt that the political leaders have not forgiven him. It was learnt on Monday that there have been serious moves to get the president to take a look at the petition and deal with it accordingly.
A source who confided in our correspondent on Tuesday said “the leaders are not happy with the minister. The matter is just starting and you will soon hear what will happen. He wants to become a governor, yet he does not want to obey the leadership.”
