|POLITICS| The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo has dismissed allegations that he is working against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election alongside Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno.

A statement by Ekpo’s spokesman, Mr Louis Iba, refuted a malicious advert circulating in Akwa Ibom State and attributed it to a faceless group, “Concerned Members of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State.”

“The Minister would have ignored this article, but the malicious claims that Governor Eno has recruited some of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s officials, including Ekperikpe Ekpo, into a plot to sabotage Mr President’s second term aspiration warrant a response.

“Governor Eno is leading a peaceful administration in Akwa Ibom State and has no interference with activities that go on in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We categorically deny the allegation that Minister Ekpo is involved in any plot to sabotage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election efforts.

“These allegations are not only false but also ridiculous, as Ekpo is known by all as a loyal and dedicated member of the APC,” the statement said.

It added that Ekpo’s commitment to the party is unwavering, as demonstrated by his pivotal role in founding the Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF), which contributed significantly to the APC’s successes in the 2023 elections.

The statement highlighted Ekpo’s achievements, including securing the emergence of the Senate President, two House of Representatives members, a Local Government Chairman in Essien Udim, and several councillors in recent elections.

Ekpo emphasised his ongoing efforts to secure a landslide victory for President Tinubu, the re-election of the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, and the winning of more seats for the APC in 2027.

He also reaffirmed his dedication to promoting APC ideals and mobilising grassroots support.

The statement also highlighted Ekpo’s partnership with Governor Eno in fostering peace and unity in Akwa Ibom State, attracting multimillion-dollar investments, and reviving dormant projects.

These include securing Jindal Group’s commitment to offtake 450MMscfd of gas for a 15-million-tonne-per-annum HBI Steel Plant, launching the Presidential CNG Initiative Programme, and developing industrial parks in collaboration with 3W Alliance Limited and the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA).

Ekpo reiterated that his relationship with Governor Eno is based on the belief that peace and unity are essential for development in Akwa Ibom State. He noted that the peace-loving people of the state, including APC members, share his commitment to progress.

The Minister assured that he would remain dedicated to promoting the welfare of Akwa Ibom residents and would not be deterred by baseless allegations and blackmail.
|TheSUN|