By JOSEPH ERUNKE

ABUJA—A group, under the aegis of Ikot Ekpene Patriotic Front for Good Governance, IEPFGG, has described Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State’s recent declaration for the Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial seat as not only hasty but capable of distracting its current occupant, Senator Aloysius Etok, from delivering democratic dividends to the constituency.

The group condemned last week’s open support for the governor’s ambition by state legislators from the senatorial district, through Mr. Udo Kieran, Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly.

National President of the group, Mr. Akpan Umoh, in a statement in Abuja, said: “We consider such an action as retrogressive and highly condemnable, because as a performing senator, Aloysius Etok has the right to seek another term in office.

“The lawmakers’ action is desperation on their part to impress their benefactor. This shows that they lack understanding of how democracy works in modern societies.”