AKWA IBOM, UYO – The Abak Local Government Council has suspended its Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Akaniyene Essang, following allegations of misconduct captured in a viral video.
The footage, which has been widely circulated online, allegedly shows Mr. Essang harassing a cameraman attached to the media unit over a dispute concerning the remittance of ₦10,000.
In response, the local government has taken immediate action to address the situation. According to a statement signed by Dcn. Gift Umoh, Secretary to the Abak Local Government, for the Executive Chairman, the measures taken include:
Immediate suspension of Mr. Akaniyene Essang – The Press Secretary has been relieved of his duties, along with all members of his media team, pending the outcome of an investigation.
Dissolution of the Media Team – The entire media unit under the suspended Press Secretary has been disbanded.
Reassignment of Media Responsibilities – Until further notice, all media-related activities of the local government will be overseen by the Supervisor for Information.
Investigation Committee Established – A panel has been set up to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation within one week to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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The dissolved media team consisted of the following members: Akaniyene John Esang, Mfonobong Inuenekpo, OtuEkong Paul Bassey, Joshua Daniel Etuk, Ukpeme Anietie Sunday, Isreal Sunday James, Idiongo Iboro Edet and Dominic Marcus Ibukho.
Others are Patience Obedience Friday, Samuel Sunday Unanam, Unenobong Sampson,bAniebiet Etop Umoh, Stephen Okon, Nsisoing Etim James and Emmanuel Godwin Dan.
The Executive Chairman of Abak Local Government condemned the incident, describing it as “unruly, uncouth, and inhumane.” He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to ensuring a professional and harassment-free work environment.
The local government assured the public that the investigation would be conducted with fairness and transparency, and further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
