In Akwa Ibom, tension has been the word in the past two weeks as people discuss the whereabouts of Governor Godswill Akpabio in hushed tones.

Speculations have been rife over the governor’s absence from the state and, in the absence of any official explanation, the rumour that he fled abroad preparatory to his possible ouster by an Abuja Federal High Court has gained ground.

Investigations by Transport & Business Express however showed that Governor Akpabio travelled to America on official assignment and is already back in Nigeria but stopped over in Abuja, the nation’s capital, for some official engagements.

“All the stories you have heard are balderdash,” said the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Pastor Anietie Ukpe, when Transport & Business Express sought an explanation for his boss’ alleged disappearance. “He is already back in the country and may return to Uyo tomorrow (today),” Ukpe added.

Akpabio has faced series of court cases by political opponents seeking his ouster but has so far won all. However, there is apprehension over the case currently pending before a Federal High CourtJudge, Abdul Kafarati. Filed by Frank Okon, a fellow PDP member, the case seeks the nullification of Akpabio’s election n on the grounds thathis exclusion from the January 15, 2011 party primaries, which returnedMr. Akpabio as the PDP flag bearer, breached his fundamental human rights.Okon also alleged that the PDP committed fraud on the result sheetsubmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by forgingthe signature of its former National Chairman, Okwesilieze Nwodo, on theelection result sheet despite having been removed by a court in Enugu morethan 72 hours before the primaries.

Judgment in the case was to have been delivered on July 12 but that was not to be, as Justice Kafarati suddenlytravelled out of the country.