Akwa Ibom State commissioner for Information, Hon. AniekanUmanah, has dismissed as “inflammatory and concocted lies,” a media report accusing Governor Umo Eno of having an irreconcilable political disagreement with his immediate predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
The alleged political rift linked to the crucial 2027 polls, according to the report, has festered to a near boiling point, forcing Governor Eno, to withdraw the security details attached to the former governor’s residence.
But Umanah waved it off as tissue of lies borne out of the imagination of its purveyors, describing the relationship between his boss and the former governor as usually cordial.
In an interview with journalists yesterday, Umanah, who debunked the allegation, said, “There’s no such thing,” explaining that the question of deployment or redeployment of security details is not within the purview of the governor, but resides with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Commissioner of Police (CP).
Describing such publication as a deliberate fabrication aimed at distracting the governor on his avowed mission to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people in line with the ARISE Agenda blueprint of his administration, Umanah, vowed his governor would not be distracted.
“Such report is false and misleading. The governor didn’t withdraw security personnel attached to former governor UdomEmmanuel or any other former governor of the State.
“The deployment, reassignment, or withdrawal of police officers is the exclusive responsibility of the IGP and the Commissioner of Police in each State, and not the duty of any governor.
“I can tell you on good authority that the governor did not issue any directive to withdraw security operatives from the immediate past governor all former governors of Akwa IbomState are entitled to, and continue to enjoy, their security details as approved by law.
“To the best of our knowledge, there has been no complaint or report from any former governor or their media aides about the withdrawal of security personnel. The rumour exists only in the imagination of those peddling it,” Umanah added.
He, therefore, urged members of the public to disregard the baseless propaganda, reaffirming that “the peace loving – governor remains focused on promoting peace, unity, and good governance across the State.”
“Governor Eno will continue to ensure that all citizens, regardless of political affiliation enjoy the full protection and benefits of the law,” Umanah assured.
