In a surprising turn of events, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a prominent opposition party in Akwa Ibom State, has formally apologised to Governor Umo Eno after a series of damaging fraud allegations were made against him. The party’s spokesperson, Manfred Ekpe, retracted his statements, offering an unreserved apology to both the governor and his administration for any embarrassment caused. The apology follows accusations that Governor Eno personally handles government contracts and collects kickbacks, claims that have stirred controversy and prompted widespread public attention.
Ekpe’s press release, issued on Tuesday in Uyo, initially suggested that the governor was directly involved in illegal financial transactions related to state contracts. The allegations implied that Eno had personally arranged for over N2 billion in kickbacks for the construction of Uyo Village Road, in addition to accusations about inflated costs for “Compassionate Homes” – a social investment initiative spearheaded by the governor. The ADC spokesperson had also claimed that the names of contractors involved in these projects were deliberately hidden from public knowledge. The accusations raised doubts about the transparency of Eno’s administration and its handling of public funds.
However, the ADC spokesperson quickly clarified that the party’s statements were not meant to directly accuse Governor Eno of corruption, but were intended to highlight public concerns regarding the management of government contracts. Ekpe insisted that the party was merely attempting to bring attention to the rumors and calling on the governor to address them publicly to clarify any misinformation circulating among the public. Despite this clarification, the damage had already been done, and both the governor and the opposition party were left to grapple with the fallout.
Governor Umo Eno, who has made significant strides in improving the lives of Akwa Ibom residents through social welfare programs, swiftly denied the allegations, with his spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh, issuing a stern rebuttal. In a statement, Udoh stressed that all contracts in Akwa Ibom are awarded through the Finance and General Purpose Committee, which operates as the procurement arm of the state government. These contracts, he explained, are then approved by the State Executive Council, following established budgetary guidelines and legal procedures.
Furthermore, Governor Eno’s administration has been dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations through various initiatives, including the construction of “Compassionate Homes” for displaced and vulnerable citizens in all 31 local government areas of the state. According to Udoh, the governor’s involvement in the state’s procurement processes is strictly confined to official channels, and he does not personally award contracts or engage in any illicit activities related to project financing.
In response to the accusations of kickbacks, Udoh categorically rejected the claim as both false and defamatory. He emphasized that such baseless allegations were designed to undermine the governor’s credibility and tarnish the reputation of his administration. Governor Eno, he added, would not hesitate to pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading these false claims.
The apology from the ADC comes at a time when political tensions are high in Akwa Ibom, with opposition parties seeking to challenge the state government on various fronts. However, the retraction and apology by Ekpe may provide some relief for Governor Eno, as it helps to dispel the cloud of suspicion that had been cast over his administration. This development underscores the importance of responsible political discourse, especially when dealing with sensitive issues such as corruption and governance.
Governor Eno has reiterated his commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in his administration. He has vowed to continue prioritizing the welfare of Akwa Ibom residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. As the state looks toward future development projects, the governor’s focus remains on delivering quality services and fostering trust between the government and the people.
The incident also highlights the role of political opposition in Nigeria’s democratic landscape, where accusations and counter-accusations often dominate public debates. However, the apology from the ADC serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration and accuracy when making serious claims about public officials. It also emphasizes the importance of clear communication between political parties and the public, particularly in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly through social media and other platforms.
As Governor Eno works to strengthen his administration’s credibility and advance key social initiatives, he remains determined to clear his name and continue his work for the betterment of Akwa Ibom State. For now, the focus shifts back to the state’s development projects, which remain a top priority for the governor and his team.
Stay informed with the latest news from Nigeria and beyond! Join us on WhatsApp or Telegram for real-time updates. Have a report or article? Send it to report@trendingnaijanews.com. Follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more updates.