Akwa Ibom govt denies involvement in EFCC’s seizure of ex Gov Udom’s Lagos property

Akwa Ibom State government has dismissed the allegation of being involved in the seizure of ex-governor Udom Emmanuel’s property in Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The 2027 governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe in a video circulating online has accused the governor, Umo Eno of reporting his predecessor to the anti-graft agency, hence the seizure of the property.

However, the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah in a statement on Sunday described Akpanudoedehe’s comment as baseless, inciting and threat to peace.

 He said, “This 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.

“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.”

Umanah noted that if Governor Eno were driven by any form of fury, he wouldn’t have retained most of the persons who served under the former administration even to the extent of completing the projects initiated by former governors.

The commissioner noted that the government respects the constitutional right of every citizen to participate in politics and seek elective office.

However, political freedom “does not confer a licence to spread falsehoods, incite passions or threaten the peace and security of the state.”

He warned that the peaceful disposition of Governor Umo Eno must not be mistaken for weakness, and his commitment to reconciliation “must not be interpreted as permission for provocation or destabilisation.”