Udoedehe’s allegations against Akwa Ibom SSG designed to provoke arrest, win sympathy votes — Group

Tony Okoh, Uyo

A socio-political organisation, Ibom Statesmen Forum (ISF), has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe, of allegedly making provocative remarks against the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, in an attempt to provoke his arrest and attract public sympathy ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group also called on law enforcement and security agencies in the state to investigate the former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory’s recent utterances, which it said could potentially heighten political tension and threaten public peace.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chancellor, Chief Enobong Owoh, and Secretary-General, Ndifreke Aquaisua, and made available to journalists in Uyo on Thursday, the forum said a viral video of Udoedehe addressing supporters was an indication of what it described as an attempt to create a political confrontation.

The group alleged that Udoedehe’s remarks against the SSG were politically motivated and designed to provoke security agencies into taking action against him.

According to the forum, such a development could subsequently be used by his supporters to portray him as a victim of political persecution and generate sympathy for his 2027 governorship ambition.

The ISF further alleged that Udoedehe’s criticisms were borne out of political frustration, claiming that he failed to use the occasion to present what it described as a clear policy direction or concrete achievements to his supporters.

However, the group’s allegations could not independently be verified.

Defending the political record of Prince Uwah, the forum said the SSG’s emergence as a prominent political figure was based on what it described as competence, loyalty, administrative discipline and grassroots support.

The group rejected any suggestion that Uwah’s political profile was built on the patronage of Udoedehe, stressing that the SSG had made contributions to public service and community development through various initiatives, including the Enobong Uwah Foundation.

The forum also dismissed Udoedehe’s criticism of infrastructure development in Uyo, arguing that the state capital had witnessed significant road construction, urban renewal and flood-control interventions under the administration of Governor Umo Eno.

It accused the ADC candidate of what it termed “political amnesia” and urged him to focus on issues-based campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ISF further cautioned politicians and their supporters against making unsubstantiated allegations that could put public officials at risk or undermine the peace and stability of the state.

Describing Prince Uwah as a disciplined, hardworking and God-fearing public servant, the forum urged residents to treat the allegations against him with caution.

It also called on security agencies to examine statements capable of causing public disturbance while ensuring that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections do not compromise the peace and security of Akwa Ibom State.