Thugs Cause Chaos at Akwa Ibom Stakeholders’ Meeting Ahead of LG Polls

There is unrest in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as violence erupted during a stakeholders’ meeting at Mbak Atai, where participants were gathering to select the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus chairmanship candidate for the upcoming October council elections.

According to reports, thugs disrupted the meeting organized by Hon Henry Archibong, the political leader of the area. Ward leaders, party chieftains, and other stakeholders narrowly escaped harm as the situation escalated.

The trouble began when former lawmaker Hon Idongesit Ituen arrived with a group of disgruntled youths opposed to the consensus arrangement. Chaos ensued as tensions rose, leading to physical altercations and indiscriminate throwing of bottles within the meeting hall.

Eyewitnesses reported that Hon. Effiong Ebong, a PDP state officer, was assaulted when he attempted to address the gathering. The council chairman, Hon Etetim Onuk, tried to restore order but was also attacked.

Dr. Archibong eventually called off the meeting due to the chaotic atmosphere, announcing plans to reschedule at a later date. However, the disruption continued, with even more violence erupting as dignitaries, including former commissioner Dr. Bassey Okon, fled for safety.

Amidst the turmoil, Hon Idongesit Ituen insisted on addressing the crowd, criticizing the consensus process and asserting that only Governor Pastor Umo Eno had the authority to appoint a chairman, denying any authorization for a mock election.

The incident revealed deep divisions among the 17 aspirants from East Itam vying for the council chairmanship, with some aspirants feeling marginalized by the planned consensus arrangement and choosing to boycott the meeting altogether.