The government described the allegation as “false, reckless and without foundation”, warning that attempts to incite the public or create tension in the state would not be tolerated.
By James Akan
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Published on September 14, 2026
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4 min read
The Akwa Ibom State Government has rejected allegations by Senator John James Akpanudoedehe linking Governor Umo Eno to the alleged seizure of former Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Lagos residence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The government described the allegation as “false, reckless and without foundation”, warning that attempts to incite the public or create tension in the state would not be tolerated.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, 2026, by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, in response to a social media video by Akpanudoedehe.
According to the government, Governor Eno has never reported anyone, including his predecessor, to the EFCC.
The statement quoted Eno as saying: “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.”
The government said Eno’s conduct since assuming office had demonstrated respect for his predecessors, adding that he had facilitated engagements at the highest levels of government in the interest of reconciliation, peace and political harmony.
It also questioned why Eno would retain several officials who served under the previous administration and continue or complete projects initiated by former governors if he were motivated by hostility towards his predecessors.
“Akwa Ibom has moved far beyond the politics of falsehood, blackmail and manufactured controversies,” the statement said.
The government urged political actors to promote peace and development rather than engage in rhetoric capable of reopening old wounds or creating divisions among communities and political leaders.
It also accused Akpanudoedehe of attempting to rewrite the history surrounding the build-up to the 2011 governorship elections, alleging that violence, destruction and arson during the period resulted in the burning of vehicles acquired for the mass taxi service and damage to public assets.
The government further alleged that Akpanudoedehe was at the centre of the events and was subsequently arrested and prosecuted over allegations arising from the crisis.
“That history cannot simply be erased,” the statement said, arguing that political aspirants should be prepared to account for their political conduct and the consequences of conflicts in which they allegedly played leading roles.
The government asked whether Akwa Ibom should once again be subjected to what it described as “the politics of bitterness, destruction and instability”.
It said the pattern of what it called false accusations, provocation and attempts to create distrust among residents had raised concerns about the possible return of political instability.
Meanwhile, the government said the Eno administration remained focused on implementing its ARISE Agenda, including the construction of roads and bridges, schools and healthcare facilities, as well as initiatives in agriculture, tourism, aviation and the Compassionate Homes programme.
It also highlighted the planned commissioning of 39 projects to commemorate the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State as an opportunity for residents to assess the administration’s development efforts.
The government acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to participate in politics and seek elective office but warned that such rights did not permit the spread of falsehoods or incitement capable of threatening the peace and security of the state.
It called on Akpanudoedehe and other political actors to exercise restraint and responsibility, insisting that the state would not be dragged back into what it described as politics of bitterness, destruction and instability.
“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,” the government said.
It added that it would continue to protect the peace and tranquillity of Akwa Ibom while focusing on development.
The statement concluded with a biblical reference: “The Lord shall disappoint the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.”
