There was drama at Ibom Hall, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, last weekend, when some angry youths challenged Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, at the venue of the funeral of the late Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Nsikak-Abasi Essien Eduok (rtd), for arriving late.
Akpabio had reportedly arrived the venue of the funeral with his entourage and security aides more than one hour after the programme had started, and was denied entry by the security men, who cited breach of protocols.
Apart from Governor Udom Emmanuel who was already seated at the event, other invited guests including the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, and other VIPs had already taken their seats.
Also, some angry youths were said to have booed the minister, saying that he deliberately arrived late to undermine Governor Emmanuel.
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Security aides of the Chief of Air Staff also insisted that Akpabio would not be allowedinto the hall since their boss was already seated.
“Akpabio’s late arrival was against the strict order of protocol, which he, while governor never had tolerated,” one of the security men said.
Also, source disclosed that Akpabio had, before he came for the event, personally supervised and gave money to a hired crowd to hail him, at the venue, a situation security men at the venue termed as capable of causing serious security breach.
“Akpabio is always playing the role of a victim and trying to invoke sympathies to his sagging and waning political relevance.
“To us, he should stop his infantile grandstanding which he had earlier shamelessly exhibited during the funeral of the Okopido brothers late last year.
“He needs to grow and stop these laughable antics because Akwa Ibom has moved from a State of insecurity to a peaceful State where development is the main focus,” one of the youths who gave his name as Effiong said.
