LG election: Pandemonium as thugs hijack Stakeholders’ meeting in Akwa Ibom

There is heightened tension in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State following a violent disruption of a stakeholders’ meeting at Mbak Atai by thugs, resulting in injuries to participants.

The meeting, convened by Hon Henry Archibong to select the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus chairmanship candidate ahead of the October council elections, descended into chaos as opposing factions clashed.

News360 gathered that the political leader of the area, Hon Henry Archibong who was the convener of the meeting, Ward leaders, party chieftains and other critical stakeholders escaped death as thugs stormed the meeting venue.

It was further learnt that trouble started when a former lawmaker, Hon Idongesit Ituen allegedly arrived at the meeting venue at Mbak Atai with some angry youths opposed to the consensus deal and started to challenge the rationale behind the meeting.

According to a witness, “The attack started from the PDP State’s officer, Hon. Effiong Ebong who was slapped by one of the thugs as he stepped on the podium to set the tone of the meeting.

“Many persons were wounded as bottles were thrown indiscriminately from the rear and the entire hall.”

He said the council chairman, Hon Etetim Onuk pleaded for calm but to no avail as the irate youths were on rampage, adding that the council chairman was physically assaulted.

“Hell was let loose when the convener, Dr. Archibong announced that the event could not hold under such a rowdy atmosphere, saying that a new date and venue would be communicated to those needed and declared the meeting closed.

“Bottles were thrown from all corners of the hall; those boys had the guts to hit even the council chairman with a plastic chair.

“All the dignitaries, including the immediate past commissioner for special duties, Dr. Bassey Okon, had to run for their lives,” the source added.

He explained that in the midst of the confusion, the former House Member, Idongesit Ituen insisted on addressing the people even after the meeting was declared closed by the conveners.

He said Ituen publicly condemned the consensus deal by the elders and argued that it was the prerogative of the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to pick a chairman, adding that the governor did not authorize any mock election to that effect.

Investigation revealed that 17 aspirants, from East Itam where the chairmanship position of the council was zoned, indicated interest to contest for the seat and were presented to the elders.

Some of the aspirants who felt cheated in the planned consensus deal boycotted the meeting.