Pressure Mounts! Tinubu’s Minister Finally Reacts To Sack Demands

The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has strongly dismissed petitions from some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State calling for his removal from office.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Describing the move as “frivolous and baseless,” Ekpo said the petition was orchestrated by disgruntled elements determined to smear his image.

The petition, signed by APC leaders from 29 out of the state’s 31 local government areas—including Michael Essien (Ini), Obong John (Itu), Victor Okon (Uruan), David Udoh (Ibiono), Lawrence Edet (Uyo), David Linus (Ibesikpo Asutan), Asua Effiong (Etinan), and Vincent Etuk (Nsit Atai)—accused the minister of betraying the party, sidelining loyal members, and pursuing a 2031 governorship ambition at the expense of party cohesion.

In their letter to President Bola Tinubu, the petitioners alleged that Ekpo was enriching himself for personal political ambitions while undermining both the Senate President and the state governor.

Responding through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Louis Ibah, the minister dismissed the claims, insisting they were not from genuine APC members.

“We categorically dismiss this petition as a shallow, frivolous and substanceless attempt by attention-seeking non-members of the APC to undermine Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo’s reputation,” Ibah said.

He stressed that authentic party members in Akwa Ibom valued Ekpo’s contributions, citing his efforts in unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential, attracting investments—including projects in the state—and creating jobs.

Highlighting Ekpo’s track record, Ibah noted that the minister had been pivotal in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda during the 2023 elections through the Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum, adding that the attacks were simply a plot by political jobbers envious of his goodwill with President Tinubu.

According to him, the minister remains committed to the APC and loyal to the Tinubu administration.