Eteka Ukpong
As the clock ticks towards the People Democratic party primaries slated for May 21st 2022, fresh facts have emerged that the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Mr. Bassey Albert has become more agitated to do everything to secure the Governorship ticket in Akwa Ibom.
The senator, who a source closed to him says is desperate because this could be his last chance of becoming a governor, is making frantic efforts to compromise some National officers of party.
Sources in Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign disclosed that Mr. Albert has already reached out to several National officers who could be of assistance to him.
It was gathered that a mouth watering sum has been budgeted to execute the party project. Among his targets are the National Chairman , Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the National Secretary, Senator Anyanwu and National Legal Adviser.
He was said to have also reached out to the governor of Rivers state, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike to use his influence over the party to get him the ticket.
Unconfirmed sources alleged that though PDP had in one of their meetings promised all the second term Governors of its support to produce their successors, Wike is alleged to have gone behind Gov Udom Emmanuel to support Bassey Albert by buying campaign vehicles and donated same to him.
OBA as Albert is popularly called has also enlisted Mr Omokere, to reach out to as many friends within and outside the party that could be influential to his winning the ticket.
Another option, according to sources is using the National Legal Adviser of the party to disqualify Pastor Umo Eno, who OBA sees as the only clog in his Governorship ambition wheel .
Senator Bassey Albert Akpan who visited Nsit Ibom recently on consultation went the extra mile perhaps care was said to have boasted about his contact in National Secretariat of the party that he hopes to get support from.
According to him, ” The National Secretary of the party is my intimate friend,i knew him for over 40 years and with him there for me, i will win the governorship election,i am the most prepared aspirant,i have been a commissioner for finance for 8 years,have been a senator almost 8 years,i am the most qualified aspirant-”
Albert, it would be recalled that OBA is standing trial for alleged corruption and money laundering at the Federal High Court Uyo against the EFCC. Pundits say should Albert wins nominations and go ahead to win the main Election, he would be enjoying immunity.
Commenting on the prosecution of OBA by the EFCC, a source who is indifferent to political leanings said that in a sane society people ought to have ashamed of the likes of OBA with a baggage of corruption and money laundering case, but unfortunately, in Nigeria corrupt people are proud and being celebrated by the people they have stolen from. Continue Reading
