The Arrest Of Thomas Thomas: What Is Akpabio Planning To Do With Him?

Godswill Akpabio is as predictable as night and day. Those who have studied him can easily predict what he plans to do with Mr. Thomas Thomas, who is now in detention and accused of trying to subvert Akpabio and his government. First, let us revisit a similar incident, which happened on October, 2007---just five months after Akpabio was sworn in as a governor.

Before Akpabio became a governor, Mr. Imeime Jerome had been practicing journalism and was the editor of 'Events' newspaper in Uyo. On October 2007, he published a story, which accused Godswill Akpabio of using public funds to pay off his election campaign. He was arrested on October 10, 2007, for criticizing the state's governor and charged six days later with 'sedition' by a court in Uyo. (Source: http://archives.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=24082).

According to the news report on the matter at the time; 'An eye witness said Imeime was beaten at the time of his arrest while attending a religious ceremony in Ibom Hall, in Uyo. Thereafter his location was unknown until he was taken before a judge in Uyo on 16 October and charged with sedition. He was remanded in custody as soon as the charge had been read out. According to local journalists, his trial has been set for 16 November. 'Events' (newspaper---in bracket, mine) have not appeared since his arrest. Headlined 'Akpabio Fingers Treasury,' the story also alleged there had been corruption in the allocation of contracts for road building. According to the privately-owned daily Leadership, Ibom state commissioner of information, Census Ekpu, denied these claims and insisted that the governor played no part in Imeime's arrest.' (Source: http://archives.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=24082.)

The Outcome of Imeime Jerome's Arrest
While Imeime Jerome was still in detention awaiting trial, the administration struck a deal with him. He was promised a position in government if he would seize and desist from criticizing Akpabio. Imeime accepted the deal. Shortly after signing the bargain, Akpabio appointed Imeime his Personal Assistant, a position in which he is still holding in the government.

A Similar Deal for Thomas Thomas?
As it happened to Imeime Jerome, reliable sources have confirmed that Godswill Akpabio is planning to send, or has already sent, his Assistants to visit Thomas Thomas in detention for a similar deal that was truck with Imeime Jerome in 2007. But, according to highly reliable sources, Akpabio and his Assistants are quickly finding out that when it comes to adhering to moral principles and strength of character, Thomas Thomas has no rival.

So far, Mr. Thomas is insisting on going to court to face his accusers, even if it means his being remanded in detention for ever. He has already made it known that he is not interested in entering into any negotiation with Akpabio. He has communicated to those who are contemplating that he will not meet with any member of Akpabio's administration, except in court.

Thomas Thomas's attitude is becoming a great concern for Akpabio. Unlike when Mr. Imeime Jerome was arrested, the arrest and detention of Thomas does not stop Global Concord from hitting newsstands; yesterday (July 4, 2014), the Friday edition of the paper hit the streets and was entirely sold out.

The question now is, what is Akpabio going to do with Thomas Thomas?

Ikpafak Thompson Essien
Portland Oregon