Who Leads the Efiks: Duke Or Ani?

(From Vanguard (Nigeria) - AAGM)

Byline: Nkeiru Eche

AS political activities gather momentum in Cross River State, as in other parts of the country, and, indeed, approaching feverish pitch, the emerging scenario in Cross River South Senatorial District presents an interesting picture to keen watchers of political developments in the area. It appears, from all indications, that a political leader for the Efiks, who populate this area, is about to emerge, with two prominent families - the Duke and Ani families - struggling for supremacy. The former is represented by Governor Donald Duke, while the latter has Chief Anthony Ani, the late General Sani Abacha's finance minister, as head. From relative obscurity (save for a stint as finance commissioner under Ebri) Duke has risen to prominence. It is on record that he is the first Efik to be democratically elected (by default?) governor of Cross River State (including the former Cross River, which had the present Akwa Ibom State …