The Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly has denied media reports that the immediate past state governor Emmanuel Udom is under investigation over alleged malfeasance.
Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly Kufre- Abasi Edidem distanced the house from such investigation against Udom.
According to him. “The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly wishes to state categorically that there is no scintilla of truth in the publication, in content and in intent,
and gives clarifications to help properly inform members of the public as follows:
1. NO COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED TO PROBE MR UDOM EMMANUEL:
At no point has the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly constituted any committee to probe former Governor Udom Emmanuel, contrary to the report. The publication is speculative, lacks a factual basis, and does not reflect any official position or resolution of the House.
2. COMMITTEE MEANT TO SOLVE THE NON-PAYMENT OF FACTORY WORKERS:
What transpired in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly was that the member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Hon Uwem Peter Imoh-Ita brought before the House that some employees of the Coconut Plantation who are largely of Mkpat Enin origin, therefore his constituents, allegedly have not been paid for seven months. As a norm in the House, Adhoc committees are usually constituted to investigate the veracity or otherwise, of public complaints. The matter of the St Gabriel’s Coconut Oil Factory, being a state owned enterprise, was not an exception. It had nothing to do with the issues of ownership of other companies in operations in the State.
3. EX-GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL NOT A FAILURE:
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is a responsible institution that has risen beyond partisanship and like our leader the Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno,PhD, would not descend to disparaging leaders and past leaders of the State. His Excellency Udom Emmanuel, performed creditably well and laid the foundation for the industrial and economic growth of the State. This is seen in the success of the State-owned Ibom Airline, that is regarded the best in the country. At no time has the House targeted or accused the former Governor of any wrongdoing. Any attempt to portray the House as engaging in a probe against Mr. Udom Emmanuel is misleading and mischievous.
4. CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM:
We urge the Leadership Newspaper, and other media organizations to rise above board, verify facts from official legislative sources before publication. Inaccurate and sensational reporting not only misleads the public but also undermines the credibility of democratic institutions. Media professionals should thus know where to draw the line between facts and sensationalism. Journalism is a noble profession with its strong ethical bent.
5. COMMITMENT TO OVERSIGHT AND PUBLIC INTEREST:
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly remains focused on its constitutional mandate, especially in ensuring that public sector operations, including those related to workers’ welfare and state-owned enterprises, are handled transparently and lawfully. This would continue to be done without bias, prejudice, or political colouration. We are not just the soul of democracy, we are the conscience of the society and the voice of our people. The public is hereby advised to disregard the said report in its entirety.
