The All Progressives Congress in the Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has officially suspended its chapter treasurer, Ukobong Ibekwe, over alleged dual membership and for secretly maintaining an executive office in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).
In a formal petition, addressed to the state party chairman, the Ukanafun APC leadership accused Ibekwe of surreptitiously operating as a mole, claiming that he secretly retained his PDP position, while simultaneously occupying a high-ranking office in the APC.
This move came on the heels of a period of political fluidity, following Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the APC last June, which opened a floodgate for mass defection of PDP members into the ruling APC, under a general waiver.
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Signed by chapter chairman Akaninyene Ukpanah, the petition highlights detailed deceptive conduct, alleging that Ibekwe has been attending strategic meetings of both political parties.
The petition further alleged financial misconduct, asserting that he has been receiving double stipends from the state government by appearing on the payrolls of both the APC and the PDP.
Again, the APC claimed that Mr Ibekwe was spotted at the residence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, receiving food palliatives, intended for APC officials, while also allegedly benefiting from resources set aside for opposition groups in the state, including the PDP.
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Citing a grave violation of the party’s constitution, regarding dishonest practices and impersonation, the APC leadership declared his immediate suspension from the executive committee.
Political analysts, however, view this internal rift as a negation of Governor Eno’s “Akwa Ibom United” political philosophy, which erases political party lines in favour of a united, stable Akwa Ibom state.
While the Governor, through his Akwa Ibom United mantra, maintains that political parties are mere vehicles for service, the suspension of Mr Ibekwe casts dark shadows on the sincerity of the Akwa United mantra.
