CSOs Worry Over Politicians’ Antics In Akwa Ibom

Worried by the rising political tensions in Akwa Ibom State, the Coalition of Civil Society of Nigerian (CCSON) has sued for caution.

The organisation, comprising 180 human rights groups, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non Governmental Organisation (NGOs), professional bodies, town unions, students’ unions and community-based organisations, made the appeal after its February congress.

Addressing journalists in Uyo, the state capital on Monday, the director of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Otuekong Franklin Isong, said they have decided to intervene because of the escalating political tensions in the state.

Isong said the coalition, after reviewing the activities of politicians and ethnic leaders, urged them to sheathe their swords as their shenanigans have the potential of overheating the polity and distracting the governor, Pastor Umo, in the task of delivering the dividends of democracy in line with the ARISE Agenda blueprint of the administration.

Reading the communique, Isong recalled that “the February congress took time to review governance and developments in the country. CCSON took cognizance of the prevailing atmosphere of apparent plots by some overly futuristic political gladiators to destabilise the administration of Pastor Eno, in the buildup to 2027 politics.”

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The communique continued: “That CCSON frowns at, and issues the red flag against, that section of the political class in Akwa Ibom State for piling up unhealthy and fractious climate of politicking in the State towards the 2027 general elections.

“That despite CCSON’s advisory following the outcome of its January 2025 Congress and subsequent Press Conference, sustained campaign of calumny, media attacks and media trials of political leaders of the state, particularly His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, the governor, and Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past governor continue unabated thereby further heating up the state.

“CCSON restates its earlier position that if these overly futuristic political gladiators and their supporters do not call themselves to order, their inimical activities could ground the course of governance in the State.”

The communique further reiterated the right of every citizen to hold the government and its officials accountable insofar as media trials are avoided and complaints are duly directed to appropriate investigative authorities.

It added “CCSON urges politicians across party lines to close ranks and work towards the unity, progress and development of Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria,” the communique read.