The Greater Akpabio Family of Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area, has publicly disowned and excommunicated Evangelist Patience Ibanga Akpabio, over what it described as “disparaging and unwholesome remarks” made against the Senate President, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, and his wife, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Ekaette Unoma Akpabio.
Addressing journalists at the family’s ancestral meeting place, Afe Akuku Udo Akpabio, on Monday, the family’s leaders, Ekam Akpabio (Family Head) and Dr Joe Akpabio (Deputy Family Head), flanked by 21 other members, said the decision became necessary following Mrs Patience’s continued public attacks despite a traditional injunction warning her to desist.
“We had, through our family head, served the said Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio a traditional injunction demanding that she immediately cease from making further statements about the person of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, his wife, and other members of the Greater Akpabio Family,” the statement read.
The family lamented that Mrs Patience ignored the injunction and persisted in her “tirade,” which they said had “brought the family to public ridicule and shame.”
“This has never happened and should not have happened at the first instance. Her actions are a clear affront to our values of respect and unity,” the family stated.
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They further expressed disappointment that despite assurances from her husband, Barr. Ibanga Akpabio, that she would stop, her attacks continued unabated, forcing the family to act decisively.
“We shall not condone any act or behaviour that brings the family to disrepute or public opprobrium as exemplified by Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio’s current conduct,” the family warned.
In what they termed a public disclaimer, the family officially announced her excommunication from the Greater Akpabio Family.
“We hereby place a disclaimer on the person of Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio as being a wife, representative, or member of the Greater Akpabio Family, while also excommunicating her from the family,” they declared.
They also cautioned members of the public against engaging with her in any capacity under the family’s name.
“We warn all members of the public to desist from any dealings with Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio as a member of our family. Sadly, she has pushed us to this line of action by her untoward and satanic actions,” the family said.
Nonetheless, the family left room for reconciliation, saying it was willing to review its position if Mrs Patience showed genuine remorse.
“If she has any genuine grievances, apologies, or regrets, we request that she report such to the family hierarchy for a review in line with our customs and traditions,” the statement concluded.
The press conference ended with the family reaffirming pride in the Senate President’s achievements and leadership.
“We remain immensely proud of our son, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his exemplary leadership and outstanding representation of our family and senatorial district,” the family stated.
