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The Akwa Ibom State Government has denied allegations that Governor Umo Eno was behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s seizure of a Lagos property allegedly belonging to former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The government was reacting to a social media video by the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, in which he accused Eno of reporting his predecessor to the EFCC over the alleged illegal acquisition of the property.
The State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, made the government’s position known in a statement issued on Sunday in Uyo, describing the allegation as “false, reckless and without foundation”.
Umanah said the claim was intended to incite the public and create tension in the state.
He said, “Ordinarily, the Government of Akwa Ibom 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 record straight.
“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, let alone my predecessor in office, to the EFCC. I stand to be challenged or contradicted.”
The commissioner said Eno had consistently demonstrated respect for his predecessors and pursued reconciliation, including facilitating engagements at the highest levels of government in the interest of peace.
He questioned why the governor would seek to target Emmanuel while retaining several officials who served under the previous administration.
“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 asked.
The state government urged Akpanudoedehe and other political actors to desist from making what it described as false claims capable of causing disunity.
“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,” the statement added.
The government also warned that it would continue to protect peace in the state while remaining focused on governance and development.
“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,” Umanah said.21`
