The All Progressives Congress (APC) Akwa Ibom State factional Chairman, Austin Ekanem, has hinged the precarious situation currently facing former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, on ego and arrogance.

The former governor of Akwa-Ibom State has been enmeshed in controversy over the senatorial ticket of the ruling party ahead of next year’s legislative elections.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja, Ekanem explained that scuttling the out of court settlement of the crisis rocking the state chapter complicated his case.

“During one of the court sessions of the appeal filed by Senator John James Akpanudoedehe against the judgment obtained by Stephen Ntokekpo and co in respect of the State Congress of APC in Akwa Ibom State at the Court of Appeal. The judges didn’t sit on time and afforded the legal counsels on both sides time to interact and share their experiences regarding such cases.

“The legal counsel on both sides agreed that this case will not help the party at that time especially as the APC primary election was fast approaching. They decided that Akpaudoedehe who was in court should be approached and briefed about an out of court settlement.

“The legal counsel to Akpanudoedehe, Solomon Umoh SAN, offered to do the briefing and Akpanudoedehe agreed with them and the court was approached for an out of court settlement, which the court promptly agreed and set a date for parties to return to court with a resolution, otherwise the court will commence the hearing of the appeal.

“The legal counsel on both sides met, set a date and venue for the settlement meeting, each side was to setup a five man negotiating team. On the date of the meeting, the group backed by Akpanudoedehe came up with the five persons that was agreed upon, who were led by; Archbishop Samuel Akpan, Godwin Afangide, Akanimo Edet, Ndem Ndem and Rachel Akpabio.

“On the other side, the ADF backed by Akpabio could not even raise the five persons required, they came with four persons, led by; Victor Antai, Emaeyak Ukpong, Imo Akpan and Pat Etete Ineme. The legal counsels for the teams briefed them on why the meeting was convened.

“Victor Antai was the first to respond as the leader of their team, arrogantly asked, ‘on whose instance was the meeting convened? and braggadociosly told everyone seated in that meeting that they were comfortable with the situation as it is.

“Archbishop Samuel Akpan responded telling Victor Antai that it appears he was not properly briefed by his leadership and the much talk about out of court settlement meeting ended in less than 10 minutes. That was how Akwa-Ibom APC lost a golden apportunity to reconcile because of ego and arrogance. I want to ask; where is that arrogance now?” Ekanem explained.

Reacting further, he said: “I have heard of the ongoing begging, petitions and protest emanating from their camp. I want to ask Victor Antai if he is still comfortable with the situation as it is today.

“Let me state here without mincing words that Victor Antai/Godswill Akpabio/ADF should be held responsible for whatever happens to our great party the APC in Akwa Ibom State. But for his arrogance, we would have still had a party called our own,” he emphasised. (Daily Sun)

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