From Isaac Job, Uyo
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Akwa Ibom State has condemned what it described as ‘deleterious’ activities on social media against the state governor, Umo Eno, and his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.
The coalition called for an end to such campaigns to allow the state government to focus on its primary mandate of delivering dividends to the citizenry.
The State Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, made this statement during a press conference in Uyo on Thursday.
The governor’s donation of N10 million to Precious Bodunde, a young schoolgirl from Edo State, for correctly pronouncing difficult English words, sparked controversy on social media. Activist Fejiro Oliver criticised the governor’s gesture, calling it a waste of state resources.
Oliver also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate an alleged N700 billion fraud linked to former Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration. He accused the former governor of mismanaging funds on unnecessary projects and enriching cronies and family friends.
The governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Documentation and Research, Dr. Nduese Essien, condemned Oliver’s attack, describing it as mischievous and agenda-driven.
“Their impression is to paint a picture of a governor who prioritises outsiders over his own people, while in reality, he has been providing numerous incentives and support for the downtrodden and creative youths in Akwa Ibom State,” Essien stated.
Franklyn Isong added, “CCSON calls for an end to the harmful activities against Governor Umo Eno and his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, which have flooded social media recently. This is necessary to ensure that the administration is not distracted from delivering good governance, sustainable development, and human empowerment in Akwa Ibom State.”
He urged the governors of Nigeria’s 36 states to restructure and strengthen governance to improve service delivery.
“CCSON urges all 36 Nigerian state governors to restructure and strengthen governance by aligning their administrations with evolving priorities and introducing fresh perspectives. This will enhance governance, improve service delivery, and ensure that qualified individuals occupy key positions,” he stated.
On the Rivers State crisis, Isong noted, “CCSON urges political leaders in Rivers State, particularly Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, to embrace peace and collaborate for the growth and development of Rivers State and its people.”