Tension Boils in Eket as Councilors Plot Impeachment of Chairman Over Alleged Withholding of Entitlements
Eket Local Government Area is on the brink of a major political showdown as aggrieved Councilors and Supervisors are reportedly holding secret meetings over what they describe as inhumane and degrading treatment by the Council Chairman, Mr. Akaninyene Tommey.
Multiple credible sources within the council disclosed that the Chairman is facing a possible impeachment move if urgent steps are not taken to address the worsening welfare crisis confronting elected council officials.
According to the sources, the Chairman allegedly seized and withheld statutory entitlements meant for Councilors and Supervisors, including security votes, imprest, house running costs, and general upkeep allowances.
Shockingly, the Councilors were said to have received only two bags of locally produced 25kg rice each in December, with no cash support whatsoever, a move insiders described as “insulting” and “demoralising.”
The development is also said to be crippling governance activities at the grassroots. Sources alleged that the ongoing APC E-Registration exercise in Eket has been badly frustrated, as Councilors lack funds to mobilise their supporters and constituents for effective participation.
Further revelations indicate that the Chairman allegedly justified the seizure of the funds by claiming they would be diverted to the renovation of the council secretariat and the construction of new legislative chambers, a decision that has sparked outrage among Councilors and Supervisors.
“Why should funds meant for Councilors’ welfare be diverted to capital projects?” one source queried, describing the move as a clear abuse of process and misplacement of priorities.
Amid the growing tension, the embattled Councilors and Supervisors have reportedly appealed directly to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to urgently intervene and rescue them from what they termed a pathetic and unsustainable situation.
Efforts to reach Mr. Akaninyene Tommey for his reaction proved abortive, as several phone calls went unanswered. Sources say the Chairman has reportedly travelled out of the country to join his immediate family where they reside.
