TUESDAY March 11, 2025 |TheNewsDESK
By Emmanuel NICHOLAS
In the historical records maintained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria, it is a well-established practice that any arrest made by the agency is promptly disseminated through official channels, including their website and social media platforms.
However, the recent developments surrounding the supposed invitation or arrest, as sensationalized by certain paid media outlets, have not received any official acknowledgment from the EFCC.
This conspicuous absence of formal communication from the anti-corruption agency strongly suggests that the publicity surrounding this alleged arrest has been orchestrated by political adversaries who are unable to tolerate the significant influence and accomplishments of Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
The sensationalized media portrayal of Deacon Udom Emmanuel serves to exacerbate societal divisions by casting him in an unfavourable light, thereby intensifying animosity and perpetuating existing stereotypes.
The architects of this media narrative appear to have a calculated agenda chasing polarization within the Akwa Ibom community, effectively creating an “us versus them” mentality that undermines social cohesion.
Their intent seems clear: to jeopardize the diligent efforts of Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D., who is striving to unify the state and liberate it from the shackles of political and ethnic divisions.
These politicians resort to inflammatory rhetoric to vilify Deacon Udom Emmanuel, inciting vulnerable members of the public on social media to pass judgment without a fair consideration of the facts.
Such rhetoric not only normalizes deep-seated animosity towards him but also diminishes his goodwill among the electorate within the political discourse.
This is precisely the outcome desired by the sponsors of this media campaign, who seek to manipulate public perception to serve their own interests.
Their objective is to vilify Deacon Udom Emmanuel, subject him to public scrutiny, and render a verdict that casts him as a corrupt leader—one who previously governed Akwa Ibom State and should therefore be denied any opportunity to lead again, as he lacks the dignity and reputable standing required for such a role.
The disparagement of Deacon Udom Emmanuel’s beautiful reputation is a blatant affront to the integrity he has consistently demonstrated throughout his illustrious career in the banking sector, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
For over twenty-five years, he has dedicated himself to this industry with unwavering diligence, emerging unscathed by any allegations of impropriety.
The orchestrators of this malicious campaign aimed at undermining Deacon Udom Emmanuel’s singular vision are driven by a profound animosity.
Their intent is to vilify him before the Nigerian populace and tarnish his hard-earned reputation, thus burying his commendable integrity in a mire of falsehoods.
When scrutinizing the staggering sum of 700 billion Naira that he has been accused of misappropriating, it is essential to contextualize this claim within the realities of his administration.
During his first term, federal allocations plummeted to unprecedented lows, with the state receiving as little as 5 billion Naira in certain months. Despite this financial adversity, he steadfastly ensured that salaries were paid without interruption.
This period of diminished allocations persisted for nearly three years, while the state’s wage bill hovered around 7.5 billion Naira. One must ponder: how could he possibly have accessed the alleged 700 billion Naira during such fiscal constraints?
Furthermore, Deacon Udom Emmanuel’s tenure is marked by significant infrastructural accomplishments: the construction of over 2,750 kilometers of roads, the establishment of 17 general hospitals, the launch of Ibom Air, the erection of the 22-story Dakkada Tower, the building of 47 bridges, the creation of the Dakkada Secretariat, and the development of a magnificent worship center.
Moreso, he has overseen the construction of more than 2,890 classroom blocks through inter-ministerial direct labour initiatives, as well as the expansion of the Victor Attah International Airport with a second runway and an international terminal building.
Given this impressive record of achievements, one must critically assess the validity of the claims regarding the supposed theft of 700 billion Naira.
The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that these allegations are not only unfounded but also part of a broader agenda to demonize a dignified individual who has devoted his life to public service and the betterment of his community.
If the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has indeed completed its investigation regarding the petition, it stands to reason that they would have issued an official statement.
The authors of the petition were invited to present their case, during which they encountered Deacon Udom Emmanuel, who was present not as a direct consequence of their claims.
This invitation extended by the EFCC was not directed because of petitioner’s petition , but rather to all former governors.
On the day in question, four former governors were present at the EFCC headquarters. The petitioners, upon learning of Deacon Udom Emmanuel’s presence, signaled to their sponsors, who promptly engaged the media to launch a concerted effort to malign him.
It is important to note that the EFCC should not summon an individual who has been accused on the same day that petitioners are present to adopt their claims.
Prior to any such invitation for questioning, the EFCC must conduct a thorough and independent verification of the allegations made, before they serve an invitation to the former Governor.
Consequently, the subsequent media campaign appears to be a coordinated effort, financed to defame Deacon Udom Emmanuel and tarnish his reputation.
This is evidenced by the fact that even after his return home on the same day, there were continued reports suggesting that he remained in detention, indicating a deliberate attempt to misinform the public against him .
Amidst all these circumstances, one undeniable truth emerges: there exists no context in which the reputation of a transparent leader such as Deacon Udom Emmanuel, an exemplary figure of accountability, can be tarnished.
The actions of those who engage in looting do not implicate him as a looter; their propensity for theft does not serve as an inducement for him to partake in such behaviour.
Rather, he is a leader guided by a profound reverence for God, who serves as the ultimate judge of his conscience and he never loot the common treasury of Akwa Ibom Sate for his personal gains.
