Akwa Ibom people will not be silenced for demanding good governance, PAPA-J fires back at Senator Bob

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Peoples Democratic Party Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPA-J) has strongly defended the rights of Akwa Ibom citizens to criticize government policies and demand accountability, describing recent comments by former Senator Effiong Bob as an attempt to discourage democratic engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Tom FredFish, and Secretary, Mr. Saviour Uko, the group reacted to remarks credited to Senator Bob in which he cautioned against what he described as “unwarranted attacks” on Governor Umo Eno and advocated issue-based politics in the state’s political discourse.

While acknowledging the importance of issue-based politics, PAPA-J argued that Senator Bob failed to clearly define what constitutes an unwarranted attack and what should be regarded as legitimate democratic criticism.

According to the group, democracy thrives when citizens are free to express their opinions, assess government performance and hold elected officials accountable for their actions.

“Ordinarily, there would be nothing wrong with advocating issue-based politics. However, in his apparent desperation to please the Governor, Senator Effiong Bob forgot to educate Akwa Ibom people on what exactly constitutes ‘unwarranted attacks’ and what truly amounts to issue-based politics,” the statement said.

The group accused the former senator of attempting to intimidate critics rather than encouraging government officials to respond to public concerns with facts, evidence and measurable achievements.
PAPA-J questioned why Senator Bob appeared to have assumed the role of defending the state government, asking whether the administration no longer had commissioners, special advisers, media aides and other officials capable of communicating government policies and achievements to the public.

“We are compelled to ask: Since when did Senator Effiong Bob become the official spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom State Government? Does the government no longer have commissioners, special advisers, media aides and information managers capable of defending its policies and programmes?” the statement queried.

The group maintained that criticism of government is a constitutional right and an essential component of democratic governance, insisting that citizens must not be intimidated or discouraged from expressing their views on public affairs.

According to PAPA-J, questioning government performance, highlighting policy shortcomings, drawing attention to abandoned projects and demanding improved economic outcomes should not be mistaken for political attacks.

“These are not attacks; they are essential ingredients of democracy and good governance,” the group stated.
PAPA-J further argued that what it described as growing intolerance toward criticism among some supporters of the current administration could be interpreted as a sign of anxiety over the government’s performance and public perception ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The group contended that any administration confident in its achievements should welcome public scrutiny and rely on its record