Akwa Ibom Govt Denies Eno Reported Ex-Governor Udom Emmanuel to EFCC

The Akwa Ibom State Government has denied allegations that Governor Umo Eno reported former Governor Udom Emmanuel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), leading to the reported seizure of a Lagos property allegedly belonging to the former governor.

The denial was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the state Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, in response to comments made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe.

Akpanudoedehe had alleged in a social media video that Governor Eno was responsible for reporting Emmanuel to the anti-graft agency over the purported illegal acquisition of the property.

Describing the allegation as “false, reckless and without foundation,” Umanah said Governor Eno had never reported anyone to the EFCC, including his predecessor.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Umo Eno has never reported anyone to the EFCC. I make bold to say that I have never reported anyone, let alone my predecessor in office, to the EFCC. I stand to be challenged or contradicted,” the commissioner stated.

The government said the allegation was capable of inciting the public and creating tension in Akwa Ibom State.

Umanah also cited Governor Eno’s relationship with former state leaders, arguing that the administration had retained several officials who served under previous governments and continued or completed projects initiated by former governors.

He questioned why Governor Eno would seek to undermine Emmanuel while maintaining cordial relationships with members of the former administration.

The commissioner urged Akpanudoedehe and other political actors to avoid allegations that could deepen political divisions in the state.

He said Akwa Ibom residents deserved political discourse centred on peace, development and responsible leadership rather than “falsehood, blackmail and manufactured controversies.”

The state government reiterated that Governor Eno remained focused on implementing his administration’s ARISE Agenda, including projects in roads and bridges, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and aviation.

The EFCC had not, in the available reports, publicly confirmed the source of the information behind the alleged seizure or linked Governor Eno to the agency’s action.