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The Akwa Ibom State Government said it has never reported former Governor Udom Emmanuel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as speculated by the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator John Udoedehe, in a viral video circulating in the state.
Udoedehe, in a media briefing with online publishers last weekend, had raised various issues including allegations that Governor Umo Eno conspired to report ex-governor Udom Emmanuel to the EFCC with details for the anti-graft agency, which seized the house owned by Udom Emmanuel at Victoria Island in Lagos.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information in the state, Hon Aniekan Umanah, and made available to journalists in Uyo described the allegations as false, reckless, without foundation, with intention to incite the public and generate tension in the state.
The statement reads in parts:
“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.”
Umanah explained that Governor Umo Eno has never reported anybody to the EFCC as it is not in the character of Eno to indulge in such act.
The Information Commissioner said Umo Eno, in his words, has not made such reports and will never ever do it for any reason as mentioned by the ADC governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State.
“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.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Umo Eno has never reported anyone to the EFCC.
“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.”
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Umanah maintained that the facts of Governor Eno’s conduct speak for themselves, adding that Eno had 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.
Umanah observed that Eno has continued to retain a retinue of aides who served in the former administration of Udom Emmanuel and wondered why such speculation by a desperate governorship candidate should find its way into the social media space.
“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?” he said.
Umanah disclosed that the state has moved far beyond the politics of falsehood, blackmail and manufactured controversies, adding that the people deserve politics that promotes peace, development and responsible leadership instead of rhetoric designed to reopen old wounds or set leaders and communities against one another.
“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.”
Umanah warned that those who seek political office must also be prepared to answer questions about their own political conduct and the consequences of past 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?
“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.
“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,” he said.
