…as natives protest, invoke deities
As at the time of this report, indigenes of Eyokpu Edikor community in Udung Uko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State were protesting what they termed allegedly as attempt by certain individuals to impose a Village Head on them against their wishes.
According to the SA to the Local Government Chairman on Environment, Mr. Dominic Antai, the crisis was in response to an alleged attempt by certain individuals linked to the Paramount Ruler’s interest, to appoint a new Village Head for Eyokpu, Chief Henry Tom Akanam, contrary to the wishes of the community who’re in support of the incumbent Village Head, Chief Archibong Joe Bassey.
Reports indicate that the deities of the village, Okpekim and Otuefi, have been invoked against any illegal actions to dethrone the Village Head.
It was alleged that the interest of these individuals is primarily driven by a desire to control the Oil/Gas Company in the area, rather than serving the community.
This, Dominic said, “is a selfish interests whereby different groups of Edikor Eyokpu village, claim the Chieftaincy affair as their birthright all in the name of oil and gas company.
Eyokpu Edikor community cum a call to the Authority of Udung Uko Local Government Council for urgent intervention, Honorable Elder Godwin Okponung the First Citizen, the Executive Chairman of Udung Uko local government area to readdress the issue”.
Efforts to get the official position of the Local Government Council on the matter were unsuccessful as at press time.
