A coalition of Human Rights Community in Akwa Ibom State has condemned the ”Warsaw saw war and war saw Warsaw’ chant credited to Senator Godswill Akpabio saying that such utterances if not checked can lead to bloodshed and violence in the state
They also called on the security agencies to invite Senator Akpabio for questioning or any other person who decided to toe the war part especially as the 2019 elections draws nearer.
Speaking with correspondents in Uyo on Tuesday, the Coordinator of Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community, Barr. Clifford Thomas recalled that unguarded utterances in the past led to political violence and tension which claimed innocent lives in the state.
Obviuosly referring to the 2011 political crisis between the Akpabio led PDP and Udoedeghe led ACN where over 500 brand new vehicles were burnt to ashes, many assassinated, and others kidnapped, he said;
“We condemn every call for war and violence in totality, we need peace in the state because peace is the only catalyst for development. The statement credited and severally repeated by Sen. Godswill Akpabio is a threat to peace and we want to say that any who threatens the peace of this state should be invited by the security agencies for explanation”
“Statements like these led to the electoral violence we had in the past and we do not want a repeat of such tension in 2019”.
Speaking on Akpabio’s claims on channel TV Monday evening that he chanted war songs in reaction to Governor Emmanuel’s threat,
Hon. Samuel Effanga, former Commissioner under Akpabio’s administration said “Warsaw saw war and war saw Warsaw in Poland” had been Akpabio’s anthem since his defection.
Efanga who described Akpabio’s latest claim as face saving, noted that Akpabio first issued the threat during his mother in-law’s funeral at Enugu state on August 18, and also when a certain house of Assembly aspirant consulted him, and the most public at Ikot Ekpene plaza.
He said,”it was not surprising to see Akpabio elevate war against peaceful coexistence in the state, as his eight years in government were characterized with violence, kidnapping and politically motivated killings.
The former Commissioner said as one who has led a Christ-centric government, Udom Emmanuel devoted the first week of his administration to prayers and fasting to lay a solid spiritual foundation for the state, and has over the years run a government and state dedicated to God and with fear of God.
“You don’t even need to be told that Udom Emmanuel is both God fearing and peace-loving, how many kidnapping cases have you heard reported in this administration, were you not here during Akpabio’s regime? A governor who is running an investment/ investor driven government is well aware that security is key, and he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize such “. He said.
