Akpabio protests centenary celebration snub

Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has protested what he described as noninclusion of the state in the nation’s centenary celebration.

Speaking through the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, Akpabio said the activities marking the amalgamation of southern and northern protectorates of Nigeria will not be complete without the involvement of the state.

Umanah, who addressed newsmen on the non-inclusion of Akwa Ibom State in activities for the centenary celebration, which begins on Thursday, February 27, said the state has unique historical sites and monuments on the amalgamation of Nigeria, which are worth preserving.

“It was in Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom State that the former governor-general of Nigeria, Sir Lord Lugard consummated the amalgamation of northern and southern protectorates of Nigeria. Unfortunately, there have been conflicting statements on the amalgamation, without properly situating the locations to be recognized in Nigeria’s amalgamation history. History will not forgive us as a country and as a people, if we isolate Akwa Ibom from this discussion. We are saying this because the amalgamation was consummated in Ikot Abasi and the amalgamation house and the colonial administrative office are still there as we speak,” he said.

He added: “Also, artefacts, including Sir Lord Lugard’s radio, torchlight and Flora Shaw’s pots are there for all to see. The National Commission for Museum and Monuments need to preserve these historical artefacts. Infact, the Women Riot of 1929 actually took place in Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom and not Aba in Abia State, as erroneously believed in some quarters”.