From ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, Uyo
Forum of Paramount Rulers in Annang land, Afe Nkuku Annang, has waded into the growing feud within the family of Senate President Godswill Akpabio,summoning his brother, Ibanga Akpabio, and sister-in-law, Patience Akpabio, over social media posts accusing the Senate president of murder.
The traditional rulers, who described the allegations as “malicious and defamatory,” issued a seven-day ultimatum to the couple to appear before them for clarification and cleansing in accordance with Annang customs or face sanctions.
In a communique issued at Ati-Annang secretariat in Ikot Ekpene and signed by the Paramount Ruler of Essien Udim and President of Afe Nkuku Annang; Obong Cosmas Akpan, Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo and Vice President, Professor Amanam Akpanudo Udo, and the Paramount Ruler of Oruk Anam, Engr J.J Obosi IV, the forum described the social media posts as “vulgar, unguarded and unbecoming of a woman married into the Akpabio family.”
The monarchs said Mrs Akpabio’s viral Facebook post, where she accused the Senate president of being responsible for killings during and after his tenure as governor, was an affront to the cultural and moral values of Annang people.
“Afe Nkuku Annang hereby gives Ibanga and his wife, Patience seven days to appear before it for clarification and possible cleansing, failure of which the Afe shall not hesitate to consider drastic punitive sanctions,” the communique stated.
The monarchs also exonerated Senator Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno from what they described as “baseless and unfounded allegations,” stressing that such defamatory statements could bring the Annang nation to public ridicule.
“Afe Nkuku Annang views these malicious posts as serious defamation against the person and reputation of Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno,” the statement added.
