The Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals (IK-PRO) have responded to an open letter by the Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement (AILM) regarding the location of the South South Development Commission (SSDC) head office. The group claims the letter is a distraction fueled by politics, rather than state interest. IK-PRO asserts that AILM’s aim is to denigrate Senate President Godswill Akpabio and create tension between the state and federal governments.

IK-PRO notes that AILM was silent during critical moments, such as the restructuring of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the passage of the SSDC Bill, but has now emerged to speculate and distract. They argue that decisions about the SSDC’s permanent location are premature, given the commission’s recent clearance by the Senate and lack of funding.

The group dismisses concerns about the potential use of Dakkada Towers, owned by Senator Akpabio, as speculative. They emphasize that the SSDC’s board will apply discretion and fiscal responsibility in selecting a cost-effective location.

IK-PRO believes the AILM’s letter is a veiled political attack in response to Governor Umo Eno’s recent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), exposing entrenched political interests’ panic. They are confident that the Senate President and the state government will not be swayed by speculative venom and infantile bickering.