By Udo Ibuot
UYO—AKWA Ibom State Government was, weekend, asked to order the arrest and trial of eight culprits, who allegedly murdered a union leader, Mr. Idorienyin Usen, at a meeting organised by Septa Energy Nigeria Limited and authorities of the Federal Ministry of Labour at Uyo, last week.
This followed the resolution of the Ikpa Ibekwe and Ukpum Ete Joint Council of Chiefs at a meeting held at the palace of the Paramount Ruler for Ikot Abasi Local Government, last Sunday.

The resolution,  by Eteidun  Akpan Unio II and Eteidun Ikpaisong Abraham, for Ikpa Ibekwe, and Eteidun Clement Idemudo and Eteidun Akpan Obot Ekpe for Ukpum Ete, said the royal fathers condemned the murder in very strong terms and expressed their displeasure not only with those who carried out the crime, but also with those who sponsored it.

They said that Septa Energy Nigeria Limited owed Ikpetim Village in particular, as well as Ikpa Ibekwe and Ukpum Ete Clans in general, an explanation for allegedly sponsoring the killing of Idorienyin Usen in cold blood and making attempts to kill Ubong Idemudo, who eventually emerged as chairman of Septa Energy’s workers’ union.

The royal fathers also held authorities of the Federal Ministry of Labour liable for organising the meeting that led to the killing of their son.

They wondered why Septa Energy Ltd did not organise the crucial meeting at the palace of the paramount ruler for Ikot Abasi or at the Ikot Abasi police station, but decided to meet at Uyo without making provision for adequate security.