Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has denied reporting his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), dismissing as false an allegation that he was responsible for the seizure of the former governor’s Lagos residence.
The denial followed a social media video by Senator John James Akpanudoedehe in which the former presidential aide allegedly linked Eno to the EFCC action against Emmanuel.
The state government, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, described the allegation as “false, reckless and without foundation,” saying it could incite the public and create unnecessary tension in the state.
Eno was quoted as saying: “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.”
According to the government, Eno’s conduct since assuming office contradicted any suggestion that he was pursuing his predecessor, pointing to his retention of several officials who served under the previous administration and his continuation and completion of projects initiated by former governors.
The government also accused Akpanudoedehe of attempting to reopen political wounds associated with the 2011 governorship election, recalling the violence, destruction and alleged burning of vehicles acquired for the state’s mass taxi service during the period.
It said Akpanudoedehe “was at the centre of those events and was subsequently arrested and prosecuted over allegations arising from the crisis,” questioning whether Akwa Ibom should again be subjected to what it described as politics of bitterness and instability.
The statement urged political actors to pursue issues capable of advancing development rather than making allegations that could deepen distrust among the people.
It said the Eno administration remained focused on the ARISE Agenda, citing ongoing investments in roads, schools, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and aviation, as well as the commissioning of 39 projects to mark the state’s 39th anniversary.
The government further warned that the freedom to participate in politics did not amount to a licence to “spread falsehoods, incite passions or threaten the peace and security of the State.”
It called on Akpanudoedehe and other political actors to exercise restraint, stressing that Eno’s commitment to reconciliation should not be mistaken for weakness.
The government said it would continue to protect the peace and tranquillity of Akwa Ibom while concentrating on the delivery of development projects across the state.
