Rag-Sheets, lies and Matters Arising

By Ishmael Esenam 

The past few weeks have witnessed unceasing lies mudslinging and systematic blackmail targeted at a top contender to the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State,  Senator ( Obong ) Bassey Albert Akpan. It is to be expected as the days of nomination draws nigh, for as they say, only a tree with ripening fruits receives missiles!

The most recent ones came from some rag-sheets that misnormally call themselves newspapers. They come with ridiculous names like “Town Crier”, Global Pilot”, “The Providence”, “The Waves”, etc. Funny thing is that they are all published, sponsored or promoted by government appointees like Essien Ndueso, who mostly acts as their news anchor. Oh, there’s also “City Watch”, published by Uwemedimoh Umanah. 

As usual, they try to mislead the public with lies, in order to divert the attention of the delegates and the public as well as satisfy their pay masters.

The above-named, so-called newspapers, among others on Thursday, 14th April, 2022 came up with a story of OBA decamping from his party to YPP. Luckily, the public is smarter to such trash and the lies didn’t cut any ice.  

On Sunday, 17th April, 2022 - Chief Usoro I. Usoro Ph.D,  the spokesman of the Akwa Ubok Abasi 2023 Campaign Organisation, a seasoned veteran journalist, appeared on  Passion 94.5 FM Uyo and cleared the air on  the rumour, among others. 

He told the public that OBA has "paid his dues" in the PDP, has worked for the party, and is still a member of the party.

"Senator Bassey Albert Akpan is not decamping to anywhere. He's contesting election under the umbrella of the PDP and he's contesting to win", Dr. Usoro responded to a question demanding whether there was plan by the Senator to defect as alleged by rag-sheets.

With the reponse from the ranking media expert and the fact that OBA is presently consulting stakeholders and delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party(his party since 2006), one can differentiate between who has been working to serve the state and those bent on distabilising  it.

OBA once told me that the only tree that people throw stones at is the one that has ripe fruits, and that confirms why the senator remains the one they keep attacking,  despite the fact that there are many aspirants in the governorship contest.

Like Dr. Usoro said: "I know a newspaper when I see one. I know when a journalist writes, and I also know when a dreamer writes." So, these stories are coming from dreamers, dear Akwa Ibom people. Be careful not to be swayed by their hatred and cheap lies!