EKET, The Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Akaniyene Tommey, is under mounting public pressure following the publication of a strongly worded open letter by a young journalist, Peters Buhari, calling for urgent accountability over a series of controversies that have tainted his administration.
In the open appeal titled “This Is Not Personal. This Is Eket,” Buhari outlines what he describes as “serious concerns” ranging from the recent ₦7,000 student bursary disbursement to a ₦50 million empowerment scheme allegedly marred by favoritism. The letter, widely circulated across social media platforms and local civic spaces, accuses the chairman of ignoring public outcry and failing to address critical matters affecting the people of Eket.
Among the key issues highlighted:
Bursary Disbursement: The ₦7,000 allocation to students sparked widespread ridicule, with many questioning the adequacy and intent behind such a minimal amount. Buhari argues that it “bruised the dignity” of Eket students and demanded a full review of the process.
Empowerment Scheme Controversy: The journalist claims that the much-publicized ₦50 million empowerment initiative, which was expected to support traders and entrepreneurs, reportedly benefitted mostly political allies, while many legitimate beneficiaries received less than the promised ₦100,000 or were excluded altogether.
Dubious Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Questions were also raised about the IGR data released by the local government. Buhari suggests the figures do not reflect Eket’s true commercial activity, alleging a mismatch between reported income and the area’s economic reality.
Despite the gravity of these claims, Buhari laments that the chairman has remained silent.
“Leadership is not only about ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies. It is equally about how you respond when the people raise difficult questions,” he writes, adding, “Your silence does not just imply neglect, it suggests complicity or indifference.”
He urges the chairman to take immediate action, listing specific steps such as reviewing the bursary program, investigating the empowerment list, auditing local revenue operations, and committing to transparency in governance.
Buhari concludes his letter with a stark reminder:
“Mr. Chairman, Eket is watching. Nigeria is watching. And history is recording.”
The letter has since stirred significant conversations within the local government area and beyond, with civic groups, students, and business owners echoing the call for transparency and inclusive governance.
As at press time, there has been no official response from the office of the Eket Local Government Chairman.
