Tension has heightened at the Etim Ekpo Local Government Council following a peaceful demonstration by council workers over alleged non-payment of salaries by the Head of Service, Mr. Ekong Akpan
The aggrieved workers staged a peaceful demonstration at the office of the Council Chairman, Gideon Uwa, on Wednesday 9th September, 2026, where they presented their grievances over the salary situation and the controversy surrounding the Head of Service.
Receiving the workers, Uwa commended them for conducting themselves peacefully and urged them to maintain the same disposition in expressing their concerns, while assuring them that he would convey their message to the appropriate quarters for necessary attention.
The development is not unconnected to growing grievances among workers over the non-payment of salaries and other concerns affecting their welfare. Sources say that staff members are dissatisfied with the situation, insisting that issues concerning their welfare and salaries should receive urgent attention.
It is alleged that the situation degenerated after a new Head of Service, Mrs Abia was posted to Etim Ekpo and posted out within 2 weeks to bring Mr. Ekong whose appointment had already been rejected by 30 LGAs, including Itu Local Government Area where he hails from.
The reported standoff has raised questions about the relationship between the local government workforce and the administrative leadership, particularly against the backdrop of workers’ concerns over unpaid salaries.
However, Wednesday’s demonstration remained peaceful, with the workers taking their grievances directly to the council chairman rather than resorting to confrontation.