EKET MEDIA PROFESSIONALS FORUM FROWNS AT ATTEMPT TO DRAG FORMER GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL INTO POLITICAL CONTROVERSY

PRESS RELEASE

EKET MEDIA PROFESSIONALS FORUM FROWNS AT ATTEMPT TO DRAG FORMER GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL INTO POLITICAL CONTROVERSY

As the race towards the 2027 General elections gather steam, Media Professionals in Eket Federal Constituency have warned “politicians and media hirelings”, against dragging the name of their leader and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel,CON, into political controversies for selfish political gains.

Under the aegis of Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals Forum, they particularly frowned at the recent allegations by the ADC governorship candidate, Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe, who, “in what appears to be an attempt to re-launch himself into political relevance, has resorted to spinning an outright falsehood that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confiscated properties belonging to the former Governor and that Governor Pastor Umo Eno has done nothing to help him.

The statement signed by the Chairman of the forum, Comrade Enobong Nsimah, stated in part that, “for the avoidance of doubt, former Governor Udom Emmanuel has no case to answer with the EFCC, neither has his house been confiscated for that matter.

“Mr. Udom Emmanuel finished his tenure strongly as Governor on May 29, 2023, and has since kept his promise of returning to his private business as a major player in corporate Nigeria.

“Unlike in some states where former governors, after leaving office, continue to hang around looking for ways to remain politically relevant or heat up the polity against their successors, former Governor Udom Emmanuel has remained supportive of Governor Umo Eno and at all times encourages others to follow suit.

“We also commend His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno for the maturity he has demonstrated in maintaining peace with his predecessors and focusing on the development of Akwa Ibom State.

“Governor Umo Eno has performed exceedingly well, expanded the frontiers of development and ensured peace across the state.

“The cordial relationship between the Governor and his predecessors has created the atmosphere for the massive transformation currently taking place in the state. One clear example is the 39 projects being commissioned within 30 days to mark the state’s 39th anniversary.

“Such progress would hardly be possible if the Governor were constantly distracted by political battles with his predecessors, including former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

“We therefore wish to state categorically that, for someone who performed creditably well as Governor of the state, Mr Udom Emmanuel deserves respect and not defamation in whatever manner.

“We strongly advise Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe and other scavengers, to leave the former Governor alone.

“On the EFCC allegation, we make it clear that there are many individuals on the wanted list of the Commission, but former Governor Udom Emmanuel is not one of them. If he were, EFCC would have so stated that his properties have been confiscated.

“As of this moment, the EFCC has not stated that the former Governor has any case to answer with the Commission. Those making such claims that Udom Emmanuel’s properties were consficated, are only making futile efforts to discredit a honest man.

“It is equally important to remind the public that the former Governor, during his time in office, was the first Governor to have undertaken major road projects and bridges across all the local government areas in the state.

He founded Ibom Air, built the new terminal building which Governor Umo Eno recently completed; constructed the longest flyover and longest bridge, built roads into neighboring states, and restored peace throughout the State.

We urge others to take a cue from Mr Emmanuel, who has shown that politicians can also survive outside government if they have a second address, rather than hanging around for crumbs on the political table.

We, the Eket Media Professionals will not sit back and watch the name and reputation of any of our leaders being dragged into political mudslinging and brick bats, simply to serve someone’s selfish political ambition.

“He left indelible prints on the sands of history and has not been found liable in any financial dealings since he left office, leaving a mark as a worthy ambassador of our Federal Constituency.

“We therefore call on Senator Udoedehe to leave Mr. Udom Emmanuel,CON, out of his political maneuverings and knock elsewhere for the resuscitation of his political career”, the statement concluded.