STOP BRINGING AKWA IBOM INTO DISREPUTE, GOVERNOR’S AIDE WARNS CONTENT CREATORS 

STOP BRINGING AKWA IBOM INTO DISREPUTE, GOVERNOR’S AIDE WARNS CONTENT CREATORS 

By Assam Abia

A media aide to Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Mr Ubong Creativity David, has cautioned social media content creators in the state against using digital platforms to promote vulgarity, indecent expressions and abusive content, warning that such practices are capable of damaging the image and reputation of the State.

Ubong Creativity David, Personal Assistant to the Governor on New Media

Creativity expressed concern over what he described as the growing misuse of social media, particularly by some female content creators who allegedly resort to derogatory and sexually explicit expressions in the Ibibio dialect to attract traffic, followers and engagement on their social media handles, especially Facebook and TikTok.

He lamented that some of the contents being circulated involve the use of obscene language and references to sensitive parts of the female body in ways that demean womanhood and ridicule other women.

According to him, the increasing trend is alarming, disgraceful and nauseating, particularly when viewed against the cultural values, moral standards and reputation for decency which Akwa Ibom people are known for.

The governor’s aide said it was shameful and disturbing to watch grown women publicly discuss their intimate body parts in vulgar and derogatory terms simply to generate online traffic and increase their social media following.

He stressed that social media should serve as a platform for promoting creativity, entrepreneurship, tourism, cultural heritage, investment opportunities and the overall development of Akwa Ibom, rather than becoming an avenue for the public display of indecency and character assassination.

Creativity called on content creators to redirect their creative energies towards producing positive and constructive materials capable of attracting investors, promoting the State’s tourism potentials, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and projecting Akwa Ibom as a peaceful and investment-friendly destination.

He further appealed to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to consider appropriate legislation to address the growing misuse of social media, in line with existing cybercrime laws and other relevant legal provisions, while ensuring that legitimate freedom of expression is protected.

The governor’s aide also warned that the negative use of social media by adults carries far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate quest for online popularity.

He noted that such conduct could expose individuals to reputational damage, cyberbullying, online harassment, public ridicule and possible legal consequences. It could also undermine family values, negatively influence younger generations, encourage the normalisation of vulgar language and create an unhealthy digital environment for children and teenagers.

He added that the indiscriminate publication of offensive materials could damage personal relationships, undermine professional credibility, discourage potential business associates and create a negative impression of the State among outsiders and prospective investors.

Creativity maintained that adulthood should come with a greater sense of responsibility, restraint and awareness of the consequences of one’s public conduct, especially in an era when social media publications can be accessed, shared and preserved indefinitely.

He urged content creators to understand that the pursuit of likes, comments, followers and monetisation should not come at the expense of personal dignity, cultural identity and collective reputation.

He emphasised that Akwa Ibom needs content creators who can use their talents to promote the State, celebrate its people, attract development and inspire the younger generation.

He insisted that the growing trend of using vulgarity and sexually degrading language for online popularity must stop, adding that the dignity of womanhood and the image of Akwa Ibom State should not be sacrificed on the altar of social media traffic.