By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist News Desk
The Akwa Ibom State Government has warned Senator John James Akpanudoedehe against what is described as “false allegations, incitement and threats to peace” following comments he made in a recent social media video concerning Governor Umo Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, who described Akpanudoedehe’s allegation that Governor Eno caused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seize Emmanuel’s Lagos residence as “false, reckless and without foundation.”
According to the Commissioner, the government would ordinarily not respond to what it termed unsubstantiated claims, but was compelled to clarify the matter because of what it perceived as an attempt to incite the public and create tension in the state.
Umanah quoted Governor Eno as categorically denying ever reporting anyone, including his predecessor, 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,” the Governor was quoted as saying.
The government further argued that Governor Eno’s relationship with his predecessors and his administration’s policies demonstrated a commitment to reconciliation rather than political vendetta.
It pointed to the Governor’s retention of several officials who served under previous administrations, as well as the continuation and completion of projects initiated by former governors, as evidence of his disposition towards political stability and continuity.
The statement, however, recalled the political crisis surrounding the 2011 governorship election in Akwa Ibom, alleging that violence, destruction and arson during the period resulted in the burning of vehicles procured for the state’s mass transit taxi scheme and damage to public assets.
The government said Akpanudoedehe was “at the centre of those events” and was subsequently arrested and prosecuted over allegations arising from the crisis.
It consequently challenged political actors seeking elective office to account for their past conduct, warning against what it described as attempts to revive “the politics of bitterness, destruction and instability.”
The government said Akwa Ibom had moved beyond what it called “politics of falsehood, blackmail and manufactured controversies,” stressing that the people deserved political discourse centred on peace, development and responsible leadership.
While acknowledging Akpanudoedehe’s constitutional right to participate in politics and seek elective office, Umanah said such rights did not extend to spreading falsehoods, inciting passions or threatening the peace and security of the state.
The Commissioner also warned that Governor Eno’s peaceful disposition and commitment to reconciliation should not be interpreted as weakness.
He said the administration remained focused on implementing the ARISE Agenda through investments in roads, bridges, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, aviation and other sectors.
According to him, the commissioning of 39 projects as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary provides an opportunity for citizens to assess the administration’s performance.
The government called on Akpanudoedehe and other political actors to exercise restraint and responsibility, insisting that Akwa Ibom would not be dragged back into an era of political violence and instability.
“The government will protect the peace and tranquillity of our State and remain focused on development,” the statement declared.
The Commissioner concluded with a biblical warning: “The Lord shall disappoint the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.”
