Women of Annang land, one of the major ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State, have threatened to ostracise Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio following what they described as her smear campaign against her brother-in-law, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio.
The women, under the banner of Annang Women Advocacy Network International (AWANI), issued the warning in a statement jointly signed by their President, Uduak Essien (Canada), and Secretary, Mary Enang (United Kingdom).
The group accused Mrs. Akpabio of defaming the Senate President and bringing disrepute to the Annang people through her recent public comments.
“Annang Women Advocacy Network will not stand idly by while you, for reasons known only to you, attempt to pull down our community, its values and our illustrious son. We therefore issue this solemn warning: Desist immediately from your abominable acts. Withdraw your venomous allegations, before it’s too late.”
The women cautioned her against further public outbursts, warning that she could face traditional sanctions if she failed to retract her statements.
“Stop, before the fight you cannot win consumes you completely. We are watching and ready to institute ‘ngwo ntie’ against you as is our Annang custom and age-long traditional practice by women for women that angered the land.
“Annang land will cease to be fruitful for you. You cannot sow or reap positively from Annang land. You cannot benefit in any way from Annang and her people. You cannot conduct business with us anywhere in the world. You cannot buy or sell in our markets.
“You cannot relate in peace, profit from and acquire wealth from Annang women, daughters and children including your children born of Annang son. You would be ostracized.”
AWANI described her alleged social media posts against Senator Akpabio as an affront to family and community values, warning that her conduct was both morally and spiritually offensive.
“To insult and disgrace your brother-in-law, your husband, children, grandchildren and posterity in the manner you are doing is to bring upon yourself the wrath of both God and man, and you have done so with a reckless tongue that knows no fear for God and man. You are dancing naked in the market square.
“As mothers, wives and daughters, we are deeply aggrieved that a wife would become the mouthpiece for scandal against a man who sits as an elder of our land, against her husband, against her own children and children’s children.
“Your actions are a direct affront to the respect and decorum we hold sacred in Annang land. It is therefore disturbing and shameful to witness such public desecration of dignity and decency from you.”
The group added that Mrs. Akpabio’s actions amounted to “a spiritual transgression” against Annang land and Akwa Ibom State, urging her to apologise to the Senate President and the community.
“Our land condemns this abomination. Our ancestors condemn it, our elders, youths, women and posterity condemn your actions,” the group stated.
AWANI concluded by urging Mrs. Akpabio to immediately end what it described as a campaign of hate and seek reconciliation.
“Let this be the final word from the mothers and daughters of Annang land. Heed this warning and retrace your steps. Make amends.”