Senator Godswill Akpabio of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who lost his senatorial seat to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Saturday, February 23, 2019 has been lambasted by Prelate Sunday Mbang of the Methodist Church.

Prelate Mbang speaking on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on behalf of the religious leaders in the state said;

“We condemn Senator Akpabio for his role in what we call ‘militarisation’ of Akwa Ibom ahead of the March 9, 2019 elections. His conduct is likened to a prodigal son who should refrain from his uncompromising attitude and come back home and work with his people.”

“As an individual, Senator Akpabio reserves the right to freely associate with whatever political party he deems fit for himself, his unguarded utterances have, however, ignited unhealthy rivalry among members of the different political parties in the state.”

“As if to confirm the belligerent disposition of Senator Akpabio and his party the APC, the invasion of Akwa Ibom landscape by the military, shortly before and during the last Presidential and National Assembly Elections of February 28, 2019 sent a wrong signal to our people.

“There were reports of harassment, intimidation and physical assault of the electorate in parts of Akwa Ibom State, especially in Ikot Ekpene senatorial district, where Senator Akpabio stood elections.

“As we speak, some of the political actors arrested by men of the Nigerian Police and the military are still held in custody without any charge brought against them in the court of law.

“As we prepare for the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections next Saturday, unfolding events of the last few days have given further reasons for concern, it has been observed that the Akwa Ibom landscape is gradually becoming militarized. Troops have been moved into the state like never before, Men of the Nigerian Police have also become battle-ready.

“This militarisation of our state would have been understandable and apt if we were in a war situation. For God sake, we are not at war, and therefore, we condemn this suspicious deployment of soldiers and men of other security forces to Akwa Ibom State.

“Commanders and other hierarchy of security forces should remember that professionalism is the hallmark of their callings, and they are never expected to turn their guns against a peaceful people, with whose monies the guns are bought.”