Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs has reportedly axed his Press Secretary, Aniete Ekong after he was caught on camera with a Ghana Must Go bag, allegedly containing money during the last week’s meeting with Niger Delta agitator, Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo.
Ekong was alleged to have mismanaged their recent visit to the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Standard Observers reports.
Pictures of Ekong carrying the bag suspected to contain millions of foreign currency was said to have irked the minister.
Recall that Tompolo had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to constitute the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC or face resistance from the region.
The Ex-militant threatened to disrupt operations of oil companies if the board was not put in place within seven days.
Akpabio subsequently flew into the state to have a meeting with other stakeholders.
He later made a journey via sea to the country home of Tompolo, but he and his entourage were seen going into the creeks with the bag.
Tompolo had in a statement after the meeting said he reviewed the early ultimatum he issued last Monday due to the aftermath of the consultative meeting held at Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local government Area (LGA), Delta State by leaders, youths and stakeholders from the region and not any form of inducement.
He said he waded into the matter because of his love for the region and Nigeria, noting that he could not be compromised by money and other material things.
As pictures of the bag caused a stir on the Internet, the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Etekamba Umoren, announced that Anietie Ekong has been replaced by Jackson Udom, publisher of an online media platform, Pees Reporters.
Jackson Udom, a one-time reporter with Tribune Newspaper had worked under Anietie Ekong in the media team of the Minister.
