Akwa Ibom govt denies involvement in EFCC’s seizure of ex Gov Udom’s Lagos property
Akwa Ibom State government has refuted allegations concerning its involvement in the seizure of properties belonging to former Governor Udom Emmanuel in Lagos, reportedly carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, the 2027 governorship candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, claimed in an online video that current Governor Umo Eno had reported his predecessor to the EFCC, leading to the property confiscation.
In response, Aniekan Umanah, the state’s Commissioner for Information, issued a statement on Sunday, labeling Akpanudoedehe’s remarks as unfounded, inflammatory, and dangerous to public peace.
“This allegation is false, reckless, and without foundation,” Umanah said. “To clarify, Governor Umo Eno has never reported anyone to the EFCC. I assert that I have not reported anyone, particularly not my predecessor, to the agency.”
Umanah emphasized that Governor Eno has consistently shown respect for previous administrations and has engaged in efforts to foster reconciliation, including high-level discussions aimed at promoting peace and political stability within the state. He pointed out that if Governor Eno were motivated by anger, he would not have retained many officials from the former administration or continued projects initiated by earlier governors.
The commissioner acknowledged the importance of political participation, affirming that the government respects the constitutional rights of citizens to engage in political activities and seek elective office. However, he cautioned that this freedom does not justify the dissemination of falsehoods, incitement of violence, or threats to public order.
Umanah reminded the public that the governor’s commitment to peaceful resolution should not be misconstrued as a vulnerability and that attempts to provoke or destabilize the political landscape would not be tolerated.
