JUST IN: Army withdraws its men from Akwa Ibom govt house

The Nigerian army has withdrawn its men guarding the Akwa Ibom
state government house.

The development comes on the eve of the presidential and
national assembly elections. Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of
the state, is contesting the election in Akwa Ibom north west
senatorial district.

Known to be a key player in the state, Akpabio fell out with
Udom Emmanuel, the governor, after defecting from the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Charles Udoh, commissioner for information, wondered why the
Akwa Ibom government house was singled out for such in the entire
Niger Delta region.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to restore all security
apparatus deserving of the governor, at a “crucial time like
this”.

“The Nigerian Army has withdrawn all forms of security
protection from the Akwa Ibom State Government House. This
directive which has already been enforced signals an all-time low
in the history of the democracy in Nigeria,” Udoh said in a
statement.

“It is inconceivable that Akwa Ibom Government House has been
singled out in the Niger Delta region, as a focal point for such an
ill-advised action at a crucial time like this..

“The Government and people of Akwa Ibom State therefore implore
the President and commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed forces
to restore all security apparatus deserving of a sitting Governor
to the Akwa Ibom State Government House

“Recall that recently, the immediate past Police Commissioner in
the state had also shown visible signs of partisanship against the
state government, which nearly resulted in a constitutional crisis
in the state.

“Despite this blatant act of intimidation, the Government and
people of Akwa Ibom state remain resolute in the quest to protect
democracy and the rule of law without compromising the air peace,
enjoyed in the state.