Akwa Ibom State government has warned the ADC governorship candidate in the state, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, against making false allegations that may lead to incitement and breakdown of law and Order.
The warning, issued by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, follows Senator Udoedehe’s interview last week in which he said that Gov. Umo Eno has reported former Governor Udom Emmanuel to the EFCC.
Here’s the full statement from the State government
1. The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to a recent social media video in which Senator John James Akpanudoedehe made grave and completely unsubstantiated allegations against Governor Umo Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel, including the claim that the Governor caused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seize the former Governor’s Lagos residence. Ordinarily, the Government would not dignify such a tissue of lies with a response. However, given the apparent intention to incite the public and create tension, we have chosen to set the records straight. The allegation is false, reckless and without foundation.
2. For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Umo Eno has never reported anyone to the EFCC. In his words: “I make bold to say that I have never reported anyone, talk more of my predecessor in office, to the EFCC. I stand to be challenged or contradicted.” This categorical position underscores the baseless nature of the allegation.
3. The facts of Governor Eno’s conduct speak for themselves. He has consistently demonstrated respect for his predecessors and made genuine efforts towards reconciliation, including facilitating engagements at the highest levels of government in the country in the interest of peace and political harmony. If Governor Eno were driven by any form of fury, why has he retained most of the persons who served under the former administration? Why has he continued and completed projects initiated by former Governors?
4. Akwa Ibom has moved far beyond the politics of falsehood, blackmail and manufactured controversies. Our people deserve politics that promotes peace, development and responsible leadership—not rhetoric designed to reopen old wounds or set leaders and communities against one another.
5. It is, however, important that Senator Akpanudoedehe does not attempt to rewrite the history of the build-up to the 2011 gubernatorial elections, when violence, destruction and acts of arson resulted in the burning of vehicles purchased for the mass taxi service and damage to public assets, causing serious trauma across the State. Senator Akpanudoedehe was at the centre of those events and was subsequently arrested and prosecuted over allegations arising from the crisis.
6. That history cannot simply be erased. Those who seek political office must also be prepared to answer questions about their own political conduct and the consequences of conflicts in which they played a leading role. The pertinent question is: must Akwa Ibom once again be subjected to the politics of bitterness, destruction and instability orchestrated by one man? Must political ambition again come at the expense of peace?
7. The saying that a leopard does not change its spots is instructive. We would expect the lessons of 2011 to have produced greater restraint and responsibility. Yet, when political rhetoric is again characterised by false accusations, incitement, provocation and attempts to create distrust among the people, Akwa Ibom has every reason to be concerned.
8. While Senator Akpanudoedehe is busy making unfounded allegations, the Government of Pastor Umo Eno remains focused on delivering the ARISE Agenda—roads and bridges, schools, healthcare facilities, Compassionate Homes, agriculture, tourism, aviation and other projects that are positively impacting the lives of our people. The commissioning of 39 projects to mark the 39th anniversary of the State is another opportunity for the people to assess the work being done across Akwa Ibom.
9. The Government respects the constitutional right of every citizen to participate in politics and seek elective office. But political freedom does not confer a licence to spread falsehoods, incite passions or threaten the peace and security of the State. The peaceful disposition of Governor Umo Eno must not be mistaken for weakness, and his commitment to reconciliation must not be interpreted as permission for provocation or destabilisation.
10. We therefore call on Senator Akpanudoedehe and all political actors to exercise restraint and responsibility. Akwa Ibom will not be dragged back into the politics of bitterness, destruction and instability. Government will protect the peace and tranquillity of our State and remain focused on development. As Scripture reminds us, “The Lord shall disappoint the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.”
