House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Appropriations, Hon. John Owan Enoh, and his entourage were yesterday denied access to Akparabong Local Government Area in Cross River State by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba supporters, who barricaded the road leading to the venue of the New Yam Festival.

Eye-witnesses said Enoh’s convoy of about 100 cars was forced to detour after running into a blockade allegedly initiated by Ndoma-Egba.

“The development is not unconnected to the forthcoming senatorial election in 2015, which Ndoma-Egba and Enoh are vying to represent Central Senatorial district in the fifth senate,” a source said, adding:

“Enoh poses a threat to Ndoma-Egba’s fifth senate ambition in the Central Senatorial District in Cross River State comprising Ikom, Oki, Etun, Obubra, Abii and Yakaau.”

An eye-witness said tension mounted immediately Enoh’s convoy ran into a blockade and was subsequently denied access by Senator Egba’s security aides to Akparaobong and Ikom where the New Yam Festival was being celebrated.

“It was just a matter of seconds before the security aides of Ndoma-Egba and Enoh were about to engage in fisticuffs but the intervention of security men saved the day,” the eye-witness said.

Lamenting the turn of events, Hon. Enoh said the development portends grave danger for democracy and called on politicians to be guided by the law and avoid desperation.

“I was invited by friends to attend the New Yam Festival in Akparaobong and Ikom, not on a political campaign, but I was denied access to the place by those loyal to Senator Ndoma-Egba. My friends and I were denied entry into the town but the intervention of security men eventually saved the day as I was the only one allowed driving to the town,” he said.

Describing the action as unnecessary as it is not yet time for electioneering campaign, Hon. Enoh said: “The same man who stopped me from entering his local government was voted for by my local government in the last election and he still has the right to come to Etun to campaign when the time for that is right.

“Those behind this dastardly act did not hide themselves. They were very visible and they are Senate Leader’s Special Adviser, Lawrence Takon (LawBus), and one-time House of Reps member, Hon. Jones Ayuk Tangban, both from Akparabong community where Senator Ndoma Egba hails from.

“We should not be desperate when we have the opportunity to serve people we should do it well.”

Enoh, from Etun Local Government Area, claims it is time for his local government to produce a senator representing the district as Ndoma-Egba, who is the Senate Majority Leader, has been in the Senate for the fourth time. He called on politicians to be tolerant and discourage the use of thugs to grab power by all means.

Senator Ndoma-Egba could not be reached for comments as at the time of this publication.

•Photo shows Senator Ndoma-Egba.