2027: Don’t drag Udom Emmanuel into political controversies, Eket Media Forum warns

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals Forum has dismissed allegations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confiscated properties belonging to former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, describing the claim as an attempt to drag his name into political controversies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum also appealed to politicians and other political actors to desist from using the former governor’s name for what it described as selfish political gains.

The position was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the forum, Comrade Enobong Nsima, in reaction to comments attributed to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, in a video circulating online.

According to the forum, Akpanudoedehe had alleged that the EFCC confiscated property belonging to the former governor and questioned the response of the incumbent governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to the matter.

The media professionals, however, said they were unaware of any EFCC statement establishing such a case against the former governor.

“For the avoidance of doubt, former Governor Udom Emmanuel has no case to answer with the EFCC, nor has his house been confiscated for that matter,” the statement said.

The forum maintained that Emmanuel completed his tenure as governor on May 29, 2023, and subsequently returned to the private sector.

“Unlike in some states where former governors, after leaving office, continue to hang around looking for ways to remain politically relevant or heat up the polity against their successors, former Governor Udom Emmanuel has remained supportive of Governor Umo Eno and at all times encourages others to follow suit,” it said.

The group also commended Governor Umo Eno for what it described as the maturity displayed in maintaining cordial relations with his predecessors while concentrating on governance and development.

The forum said the relationship between the incumbent governor and his predecessors had helped create an atmosphere conducive to development in the state.

It cited the ongoing programme to commission 39 projects across Akwa Ibom as part of activities marking the state’s 39th anniversary. The state government had announced that the projects would be commissioned throughout September 2026.

The forum said: “Such progress would hardly be possible if the Governor were constantly distracted by political battles with his predecessors, including former Governor Udom Emmanuel.”

It further appealed to politicians to respect Emmanuel’s record in office and avoid making allegations capable of damaging his reputation.

“We strongly advise Senator John James Akpanudoedehe and other opposition politicians to leave the former Governor alone,” the statement said.

On the EFCC allegation, the forum said there were individuals whose names had been publicly associated with EFCC investigations or wanted notices, but maintained that it had seen no EFCC declaration identifying Emmanuel as wanted or announcing the confiscation of his properties.

The statement added: “As of this moment, the EFCC has not stated that the former Governor has any case to answer with the Commission. Those making such claims that Udom Emmanuel’s properties were confiscated are only making futile efforts to discredit an honest man.”

The development comes against the backdrop of a recent controversy over an alleged EFCC seizure of a Lagos property reportedly linked to the former governor. The Akwa Ibom State Government has separately denied any involvement by Governor Umo Eno in such an action and rejected allegations that the governor reported his predecessor to the EFCC.

The Eket media professionals also highlighted some projects and initiatives associated with Emmanuel’s administration, including the establishment of Ibom Air, road and bridge projects and the development of the Victor Attah International Airport terminal.

They argued that Emmanuel’s return to private business after leaving office demonstrated that former political office holders could remain productive outside government.

“We urge others to take a cue from Mr Emmanuel, who has shown that politicians can also survive outside government if they have a second address, rather than hanging around for crumbs on the political table,” the forum said.

The group said it would not remain silent while the name of a former governor from the Eket Federal Constituency was allegedly subjected to political mudslinging.

“We, the Eket Media Professionals, will not sit back and watch the name and reputation of our leader being dragged into political mudslinging and brickbats, simply to serve someone’s selfish political ambition,” the statement said.

The forum concluded by describing Emmanuel as a former governor who, in its view, left a significant mark on Akwa Ibom State and maintained that he had not been found liable in any financial dealings since leaving office.