Akpabio, Emmanuel Set to Clash

Cookies of the relationship between former Governor Godswill Akpabio and his successor, Udom Emmanuel are already beginning to crumble. Akpabio who gave the impression that all was well and rosy with the state and was assured by Emmanuel not to open his can of worms may have many things to worry about, as the current governor has decided to present the true picture of the state’s financial health, going against the grain of clandestine agreements reached with Akpabio.

Emmanuel who has since jettisoned many of the aides and confidants of the Akpabio era was advised by his kitchen cabinet to make a public disclosure that may indict Akpabio for two reasons. One, Emmanuel needs to dig in his foot and swing support from critical groups and the masses to his side, since members of the state legislature and executives of local government chapters of the PDP in the state were single-handedly installed by Akpabio.

Two, he needs to prepare the mind of the people for some of the tough economic decisions that are inevitable to salvage the state from the effect of Akpabio’s prodigal spending. Already, Emmanuel insists on governing with a 17-man cabinet, a departure from the bogus administrative team led by Akpabio.

This is causing serious dispute between Akpabio and Emmanuel as Akpabio wanted 12 of the slot for commissioners to come from him. Another decision by Emmanuel which has been applauded by many is to place the executive jets bought by Akpabio under the hammer, in order to raise monies to pay civil servants.

To further thump Akpabio in the nose, a petrol station built by one of his relatives along Nwaniba Road in Uyo is marked for demolition by Emmanuel for contravening building regulations. The Akpabio is said to be livid over this action and have promised to get even with Emmanuel.