A non-profit, socio-cultural organisation in Annang ethnic nationality, Akwa Ibom State. Isong Annang Ethnic Forum has risen in defence of the Senate President, Sen. Godswll Akpabio over viral controversy stirred against him by Mr Haruna Garba Gololo, known on social media as Garus Gololo.
The group in a press statement made available to journalists in Uyo on Tuesday endorsed by Prince Mendy Archibong, National President, Elder Mfon Ebong National Secretary and Hon. Emilia Udom National Women Leader said it noted with concern the viral controversy stirred against the person of the President of the 10th Senate.
According to the group, “Sometime last week Gololo promoted content on some social media platforms wherein he sought to incite our brothers and sisters in Northern Nigeria, with whom we have coexisted peacefully and harmoniously, against our son, Senator Godswill Akpabio, President, Bola Tinubu, and his re-election bid which Senator Akpabio is mobilising support across the country for”.
They added, “We have investigated the claims made by Gololo which he credited to our son. We found no proof against our son.
“It is therefore expedient to state that Senator Akpabio did not make any statement to undermine the support and role the people of Northern Nigeria would play in the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the year 2027.”
They described Senator Akpabio as a well-known nationalist with a political leadership record that shows deep respect for the cultural and religious diversities in our nation.
“He understands the expediencies of fostering a warm, homogeneous bond of brotherhood with all Nigerians from every tribe, faith and region, despite their distinctive heterogeneity.
“His respect for our nation’s diversities predates his tenure as President of the Senate.
“This is obvious in major and basic lifestyle choices that our son made from when he served meritoriously as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.”
The Forum calls on respected AREWA Leaders and groups to discountenance the inciteful and divisive campaign of calumny fabricated by anti-unity propagandists who intend to cause disaffection and disharmony among ethnic groups and regions in the country especially as the 2027 general elections draw nearer.
They averred, “For justice, fairness and for the purpose of preserving the long history of the shared political cooperation between the North and South, Northern Nigerian elites should support President Bola Tinubu’s second term in 2027 to balance the power rotation between the North and South.
“Isong Annang Ethnic Forum continues to appreciate the steadfast support the North and other regions of the country have given to our son, Senator Akpabio, through their representatives in the National Assembly, and appeals for more.”
