The Afe Nkuku Annang in Akwa Ibom State has issued 7-Days ultimatum to Mr. Ibanga Akpabio and wife, Patience over allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Afe Nkuku Annang, the highest traditional authority in Annang land, during a Press Conference held on Monday at Ikot Ekpene summoned the former Commissioner for Labour, Productivity and Manpower Development, Mr. Ibanga and spouse, Patience over what it described as “malicious statements” circulating on social media against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the State Governor, Umo Eno.

At the centre of the controversy are a series of social media videos allegedly posted by Mrs. Patience Akpabio, sister-in-law to the Senate President accusing the Senator of being connected to unresolved killings and other acts during his tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015.

The Afe Nkuku Annang has given the couple a seven-day ultimatum to appear before the Council for clarification and possible traditional cleansing, in line with Annang customs. Failure to comply, the forum warned, could result in “drastic punitive sanctions” to be imposed against them.

During an expanded meeting of paramount rulers, clan heads, and village leaders from the Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District, the traditional rulers formally absolved Senator Akpabio of the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and defamatory.

In a communique issued after the meeting and signed by Obong Cosmas Okon Akpan, the Paramount Ruler of Essien Udim, alongside seven other paramount rulers, the forum condemned what it called “verbal tirades and malicious posts” that had brought ridicule upon respected public figures.

“The Afe Nkuku Annang views these verbal tirades and malicious posts as serious defamation against the person and reputation of both Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno,” the communique stated.

“We take strong exception to the dragging of these esteemed personalities into public ridicule and disrepute.”

The forum further stressed that personal or domestic grievances should be addressed through appropriate family, traditional, or legal channels, rather than unverified online broadcasts.

The traditional leaders also reaffirmed their unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, lauding their efforts toward peace, development, and good governance in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.

As tensions rise, the ultimatum from the Afe Nkuku Annang places pressure on Mr. and Mrs. Ibanga Akpabio to respond or risk facing cultural sanctions deemed necessary to preserve the dignity and unity of Annang land, as well as peace on social media space.