National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, A’IBOM
The ongoing crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ika Chapter of Akwa Ibom reached a boiling point with a vote of no confidence passed against the chapter chairman, Mr. Joseph John Moses.
Ward chairmen within the local government accused the chapter chairman of engaging in anti-party activities, fraudulent extortion, embezzlement, high-handedness, and usurping their duties and functions.
“In 2021, you deceived and extorted fifteen thousand naira (₦15,000) from each of the ten ward chairmen in Ika local government on the pretext of organising inauguration ceremonies for us who were newly elected, yet you failed to organise such ceremonies,” the ward chairmen stated in their petition.
The chairmen further alleged, “On June 26, 2022, you summoned a meeting of stakeholders comprising all ward executives and party elders, pleading with us to contribute money to rent a chapter office.
While the majority agreed and contributed, upon receipt of two hundred and eighty thousand naira (₦280,000), you embezzled the funds as you never rented the said office nor refunded the money to the contributors to date.”
The vote of no confidence was signed by several ward chairmen: Eseme Tom Akpan, Chairman of Achan Ward 1; Etiko John Willie, Chairman of Achan Ward 2; Idongesit Alexander, Chairman of Achan Ward 3; Unen Patrick Udoette, Chairman of Urban Ward 2; Benedict Joseph Okoriko, Chairman of Ito Ward 1; and John Daniel Erukuko, Chairman of Ito Ward 3.
The petition was also copied to prominent figures including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who is the political leader of the senatorial district; Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the APC, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo; Minister of State for Petroleum and Gas Resources, Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo; Member representing Abak, Ika, Etim Ekpo Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Clement Jimbo; and Chairman of the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Mr. Savior Enyiekere.
This development marks a significant escalation in the internal conflict of the Ika Chapter of the APC, raising questions about the leadership and future direction of the party in the region.
