Group fires back at Ekperikpe Ekpo’s detractors

**Extol Minister’s excellent performance in office

A socio-political group, Niger Delta Crusaders for Good Governance in Nigeria (NDCGGN) has described the recent media attacks on the Minister for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo as the handwork of political jobbers and detractors who are seeking undue political attention.

This position is contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Hon. Mene Isaac on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024 and made available to newsmen.

The group in the statement further described the media attacks as attempt aiming at smearing the cordial relationship existing between the Federal Minister and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswil Akpabio and also aiming at bringing the good reputation and the lofty achievement of the Federal Minister to disrepute.

The statement reads in part: “We have observed with keen interest the recent development in the media space especially from some sponsored local tabloids based in Akwa Ibom State where the Senate President is quoted as expressing “untrust” with the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas) Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo. The report also accused the Minister of alleged involvement in anti-party activities because of his alleged 2031 governorship ambition and also accused him of awarding contracts to members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State.

“Normally, we would not have given such pieces of fake news any reply but for the sake of the public who deserves to know the truth, we will like to set the records straight for posterity.

“These allegations are untrue, false, baseless and unfounded as there’s never a time the Senate President met with Stakeholders of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to express doubt about the minister’s loyalty to the party.”

They asserted that no such meeting or expression of doubt occurred and characterized these allegations as false and unfounded.

“It is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that a prominent leader like Akpabio would accuse a minister without substantial evidence or context,” the group explained.

The group stated that the Minister and the Senate President are in a good relationship and are working together for the development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria in general and warned those behind the attacks to desist from their evil antics of trying to sow seed of discord between the two distinguished leaders of Akwa Ibom. They however threatened to expose those behind the media attacks if they don’t desist.

It said, “we wish to also state that as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his office is always open for every Nigerian who wish to transact any business with the government. Let it also be clear that the Minister never awarded any contract to Hensek or anyone in PDP.

“The Minister has never been involved in any anti-party activity whether in the state or anywhere.

“However, as a man of peace and for the sake of the development of Akwa Ibom State, the Minister appreciates the cordial relationship existing between the Senate President , Senator Godswil Akpabio, his office and the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno despite their party differences.

“So, accusing the Minister of kickstarting campaigns for 2031governorship ambition is not only laughable but balderdash and pure lies,” the statement opined.

The group challenged anyone that Ekperikpe Ekpo has consulted or informed about any governorship ambition in 2031 as alleged to speak out, adding that the intention of Ekperikpe Ekpo’s detractors is to create disaffection between the minister and his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The group while extolling the stellar performance of the minister, called for constructive criticism and support from all Nigerians for a successful gas revolution in the country.