The Akwa Ibom State Government has denied claims that Governor Umo Eno reported former Governor Udom Emmanuel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over a Lagos property linked to the former governor.
The state government made the clarification on Sunday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, following allegations made by the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, in a social media video.
Akpanudoedehe had alleged that Governor Eno was responsible for drawing the EFCC’s attention to the property, which the anti-graft agency reportedly seized over an alleged illegal acquisition.
Reacting to the allegation, the State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, dismissed the claim and said the governor had never reported anyone to the EFCC, including his predecessor.
Umanah said the allegation could create tension and cause division in the state, insisting that there was no basis for linking Eno to the EFCC action against the former governor.
He said Governor Eno had maintained a cordial relationship with former leaders of the state and had continued to support efforts aimed at reconciliation and peaceful relations among political actors.
The commissioner also pointed to the governor’s decision to retain several officials who served under the previous administration as evidence that the current government was not driven by hostility towards Emmanuel.
He noted that the Eno administration had also continued and completed some projects started by previous governors, rather than abandoning them because of political differences.
The state government called on Akpanudoedehe and other politicians to avoid making allegations that could inflame political tensions or create divisions among residents.
It said political disagreements should not be allowed to damage the peace and unity that the state has enjoyed.
The government maintained that Akwa Ibom should focus on development and responsible leadership instead of political accusations and controversies involving former and current office holders.
Umanah said the Eno administration remained focused on implementing its development programme, including projects in roads and bridges, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and aviation.
He added that the government would continue working on initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents while protecting the peace of the state.
The controversy follows the reported action by the EFCC concerning the Lagos property allegedly linked to former Governor Emmanuel. However, the Akwa Ibom Government insisted that Governor Eno had no role in reporting his predecessor to the anti-corruption agency.
The state government urged political actors to allow relevant authorities to handle investigations into financial and property-related matters without turning them into political disputes.