Akwa Ibom state government has denied the allegation that Governor Umo Eno caused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seize former Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Lagos property.
The government was reacting to a recent social media video in which the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Senator John Akpanudoedehe made some grave allegations against Eno.
Akpanudoedehe alleged in the video among others that Eno reported to the EFCC that his immediate predecessor in office acquired the Lagos property illegally hence the seizure.
However, the commissioner for information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah in a statement on Sunday absolved Eno of any involvement in the EFCC action, saying the allegation is aimed at inciting the public against the Governor.
The statement reads, ‘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.
‘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.’ This categorical position underscores the baseless nature of the allegation.
‘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?
‘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 government warned Akpanudoedehe and other candidates to desist from peddling falsehood with the aim of causing tension and fanning the embers of disunity in the state.
‘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.
‘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 government added.