By Egufe Yafugborhi

ANNANG people of Akwa Ibom State have faulted social media commentator Haruna Garba Gololo, popularly known as Garus Gololo, over claims that Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is “anti-Northern Nigeria”.

Through its umbrella body, Isong Annang Ethnic Forum, the kinsmen of the Senate President attest Akpabio is “a well-known nationalist and should be spared any ethnic diatribe”.

Gololo had last week gone viral on social media alleging Akpabio said President Bola Tinubu would be re-elected in 2027 “with or without the support of the North.”

In a statement by Prince Mendy Archibong, National President, Elder Mfon Ebong, National Secretary, and
Hon. Emilia Udom, Women Leader, the Forum said it investigated Gololo’s claim “and found no proof against our son, and we challenge the originator, purveyor of that malicious statement to show forth his proof”.

It added, “Distinguished Senator Akpabio did not make any statement to undermine the support and role Northern Nigerian people would play in re-election of President Tinubu come 2027. Any attempt to paint him as anti-North is political propaganda taken too far and should be condemned.”

On Akpabio’s nationalist disposition, the Annang group pointed to his tenure as Akwa Ibom governor, 2007-2015, where he sponsored both Christians and Muslims on pilgrimages and also his support for late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Forum also highlighted Akpabio’s traditional title, Dam Amana Azara (Trusted Confidant), conferred on him by the Traditional Rulers Council in Nasarawa State, adding that he “freely expresses unfeigned love for our northern brothers and sisters, often dressing in the signature Babbar-riga and Zanna-bukar”.

Isong Annang Ethnic Forum urged Arewa leaders and groups to “discountenance the inciteful and divisive campaign of calumny fabricated by rampaging anti-unity propagandists as 2027 elections approach.

The Forum reiterated “unalloyed support and solidarity” to Tinubu and Akpabio, pledging commitment to “mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence between Annang nation and other ethnic groups and regions in Nigeria.”

The Annangs emphasised, “Akpabio understands the expediencies of fostering a warm, homogeneous bond of brotherhood with all Nigerians from every tribe, faith and region, despite their distinctive heterogeneity.

“For justice, fairness and preservation of the long history of shared political cooperation between the North and South, we call on Northern elites to support President Tinubu’s second term in 2027 to balance the power rotation between the North and South.”