•••Debunks Reports of handing over to Kufre Inima
A former Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, has dismissed reports making the rounds on social media alleging that he has relinquished his position as the political leader of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area to one Mr. Kufre Inima.
Senator Essien, a founding member of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and proprietor of Ritman University, described the claims as false, mischievous, and sponsored by political “desperadoes” bent on distorting facts to score cheap points.
In a strongly worded rebuttal made available to journalists in Uyo, the former lawmaker stated plainly, “I have not relinquished, abdicated, or surrendered my position as the political leader of Ikot Ekpene LGA. That claim is a fabrication by political desperadoes seeking relevance through mischief.”
The senator explained that his attendance at the June 25, 2025, defection of key PDP stakeholders into the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Ikot Ekpene Council Secretariat was purely to honour an invitation from the council chairman and to witness a historic political realignment in the area.
According to him, while a meeting was held in the Chairman’s office before the event began, where issues such as seating arrangement and APC internal leadership tussles were discussed, it was clearly stated by the State APC Chairman that only the Governor, as leader of the party in the state, has the authority to appoint political leaders at both the ward and local government levels.
“Let it be known that the State Chairman of APC clearly stated that the power to appoint political leadership, both at the ward and local government levels, resides solely with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. That declaration closed the debate,” Senator Essien noted.
He also gave a blow-by-blow account of the confusion that erupted during the meeting, including a violent outburst by APC youths allegedly loyal to Mr. Inima, who smashed windows at the council premises. “That was an embarrassment not to me, but to their own cause,” he added.
The elder statesman further maintained that his comments at the event were misrepresented. “At no point did I declare Mr. Kufre Inima as political leader. The video footage available speaks for itself. Let it be unequivocally known: I did not and will not relinquish the political leadership of Ikot Ekpene LGA,” he asserted.
Senator Essien emphasized that political leadership is not handed over lightly but earned through pedigree, service, and performance, not through “noise, deceit, or backdoor scheming.”
“My credentials speak for themselves,” he said, listing his roles as the first Parliamentarian to represent Akwa Ibom in ECOWAS parliament, former BOT member of the PDP for 22 years, and a renowned educationist with notable investments in the state’s development.
Describing himself as a “pillar of political wisdom” and “guardian of democratic structure,” Essien urged the public to ignore the noise and propaganda. “I am not in politics for mischief, but for purpose, leadership, and legacy,” he stated.
The heavyweight politician reiterated that he remains the undisputed political leader of Ikot Ekpene.
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