Akwa Ibom NASS Elections Tribunal: Desperate Akpabio seeks Presidency Cabal’s help, declares support for RUGA Settlement

Desperate to secure favourable judgement at the National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, former Governor of the State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has opted to play ethnic card by throwing his weight behind the establishment of the controversial Ruga Settlement in his Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.

Sources disclosed that Akpabio, who is challenging the victory of Dr. Chris Ekpenyong of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District election at the tribunal, met a close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari a few days ago to pledge his support for the controversial scheme, which is aimed at providing permanent settlement for nomadic Fulani herders.

The source said Senator Akpabio, met the President’s ally, who is seen as a prominent member of the Presidency Cabal with a view to getting the cabal to reach out to the Tribunal, especially the Appeal Court President, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, on his behalf.

The source quoted Akpabio as promising that “once I return to the Senate, I will make sure that people from my Senatorial district consent to the establishment of Grazing Reserves in all Local Councils in the district.”

Even though it was not clear if he was able to secure clear commitment, our said Senator Akpabio was told to come back in two weeks.

It should be recalled that the Governorship Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere had reportedly entered into a written agreement with the umbrella body of herdsmen in the country, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, to release lands in the 31 local councils in the State for the establishment of Cattle Colonies if elected as governor.

Ekere also agreed to the appointment of Fulani Heads, to be known as Sarkin Fulani for the Cattle Colonies, with the Sarkin Fulani having the same status as Traditional Rulers known in Akwa Ibom as Edidem.

On its part, the Miyetti Allah was reported to have promised a sum of N3.8 billion as financial contribution to Ekere’s election.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was dated January 15, 2019 was reportedly signed by Ekere at the instance of Senator Akpabio.

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