BY SOLOMON OKPO
The Akwa Ibom Coastal Community Youth Forum (COYOF) has accused a former local government chairman, Ekanem Brown, of orchestrating a campaign of blackmail and misinformation against key political leaders in the state, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.
In a press release issued at the weekend, COYOF described a recent statement purportedly authored by “Concerned Voters of Eket Senatorial District” as a “smear campaign” allegedly sponsored by Brown and his associates to discredit prominent figures ahead of the forthcoming senatorial primaries.
The group maintained that while political ambition remains a legitimate pursuit, it must not be driven by what it termed “insults, blackmail and coordinated propaganda” against respected leaders, including Senator Ekong Sampson.
COYOF argued that Senator Sampson continues to enjoy widespread grassroots support, citing his recent endorsement by stakeholders in Esit Eket Local Government Area as sole candidate for the Eket Senatorial seat. The group added that several political blocs within Akwa Ibom South have also thrown their weight behind the lawmaker, positioning him strongly ahead of the party primaries.
According to the statement, emerging political developments have begun to reveal those allegedly responsible for earlier criticisms directed at Senator Sampson and other leaders in the district. The forum specifically linked Brown’s senatorial ambition to what it described as a pattern of “desperation and divisive tactics.”
The youth group further claimed that Brown’s political rise was aided significantly by Senator Sampson, who supported his emergence as chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and facilitated political opportunities for members of his family. It noted that some stakeholders, including members of Brown’s extended family and youth groups within his clan, have reportedly distanced themselves from his current political moves.
COYOF also questioned Brown’s performance in office, alleging a lack of verifiable developmental projects during his tenure as council chairman, in contrast to what it described as Sampson’s record of impactful projects across Mkpat Enin.
The forum warned that the Senate “is not a platform for political adventurism,” stressing that representation at that level requires experience, credibility, and a demonstrable record of service.
It called on Brown and his supporters to desist from what it termed acts of political mischief and character assassination, urging instead a shift toward issue-based engagement. The group also appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to enforce internal discipline and safeguard party unity ahead of the primaries.
Reaffirming its support for Akpabio, Eno, and Sampson, COYOF concluded that their leadership records “speak louder than the noise of political opportunism,” and urged stakeholders in Akwa Ibom South to resist divisive politics as the electoral process unfolds.
