SUNDAY March 9, 2025 |TheNewsDESK
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has strongly dismissed the rumors claiming that his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, is facing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N700 billion fraud, Reporters’ Diary reports.
The Governor described these claims as “false” and “baseless,” emphasizing that no such allegations are known to his administration.
Governor Eno made the statement during a recent Town Hall meeting with the people of Abak Federal Constituency at the Abak Township Stadium.
He clarified that the reports regarding Mr. Emmanuel’s involvement in a financial scandal were misleading and unfounded.
According to him, the rumors surfaced after Mr. Udom Emmanuel visited the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday evening to honor an invitation from the agency.
Despite being allowed to leave the same day and return to his home in Lagos, certain sections of the media misreported that he had been detained in connection with a fraudulent N700 billion transaction under his leadership.
Governor Eno further emphasized that his predecessor served the state with dedication and should be appreciated for his contributions. “Deacon Udom Emmanuel has served this state with distinction, and he deserves respect and gratitude,” Governor Eno stated, urging the public to recognize Emmanuel’s service rather than focus on false allegations.
The Governor expressed concerns about the negative impact of such rumors on public service, warning that such actions could discourage future leaders from committing to the welfare of the people. “When you dedicate yourself to serving the people, but at the end, they fail to show appreciation, it discourages others from stepping up,” he remarked.
Governor Eno categorically dismissed the fraudulent claims, urging the media and the public to ignore them. “The information circulating is not true. As Governor, I can confirm that there is no such issue. The media trial must end immediately,” he added.
Akwa Ibom women have expressed their gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his gender-friendly policies, which have empowered women and instilled a strong sense of pride and responsibility in the state’s governance.
The Governor’s commitment to promoting gender equality was a key highlight at the International Women’s Day celebration held at Ibom Hall Grounds on Saturday.
Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom, praised Governor Umo Eno’s leadership, describing him as a “gender-friendly leader who prioritizes the inclusion of women in governance.”
She maintained that the significant roles women have played under his administration, with four women appointed to the State Executive Council, five female chairpersons, 26 female vice executive council members, and over 130 female councillors and supervisors across various local government areas.
Mrs. Obareki also spoke on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action”, emphasizing the importance of empowering women in leadership, promoting gender equality in education, and combating gender-based violence.
She acknowledged that although progress has been made under Governor Eno’s administration, challenges remain, particularly in regions where girls still lack access to education and women are excluded from leadership roles.
Addressing these issues, Mrs. Obareki underscored the efforts of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), an organization committed to amplifying women’s voices through empowerment programs and advocacy against gender-based violence. She assured attendees that the initiative would continue to push for increased opportunities for women in all sectors.
In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for women, especially in entrepreneurship. As part of his support, he donated 15 mini buses to the Akwa Ibom State Female Commercial Drivers Association, acknowledging their hard work and invaluable contributions to the state’s economy.
The Governor also pledged to equip a female automobile repair trainee with the necessary tools and resources to help her establish her career successfully upon graduation in May.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, welcomed all attendees to the event, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on the incredible contributions of women and the need for continued action toward gender equality. She also highlighted this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” as a call to action for all to advance gender equality and empower women and girls.
The keynote address was delivered by retired Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bassey Eshiet, who condemned harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, child marriage, and gender inequality in land and property inheritance. She encouraged women to embrace opportunities in education and modern technology to break free from these archaic traditions.
The event also featured a vibrant march-past by women from the 31 Local Government Areas, special performances by women from the Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Districts, and an exhibition of agricultural products from all areas of Akwa Ibom State.
Among the dignitaries present were Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the wife of the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs. Margaret Otong, State PDP Chairman Elder Aniekan Akpan, government officials, professional women’s groups, socio-cultural organizations, stakeholders, and various women’s organizations.
