Hate Speech: Gov Eno Begs Residents To Forgive Cleric, Withdraws Lawsuit

Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has appealed to residents of the state to accept the apology of Pastor Yinka Yusuf, following his recent controversial remarks, labelling them as people with low self-esteem consigned to doing menial jobs – gatemen, house helps and cooks.

According to the Kogi State-born cleric, the people of the state have been under demonic spell, with their successive leaders subjecting them under mental slavery – to remain perpetually in chains, saying his one – million man crusade billed for the state was to liberate them from the shackles of poverty, ignorance and mental siege by leaders despite huge oil wealth.

However, such debasement of a people had elicited angry reactions, forcing the state government to order the cancellation of the event to forestall anticipated security breaches by the aggrieved residents at the Ibom Hall ground, where the crusade was billed to hold.

Therefore, as demanded by the state government which threatened lawsuit over such defamation and stereotyping, the cleric has reportedly retracted the hate – speech and apologised.

And the governor has impressed on the people to accept and forgive the unguarded cleric, while addressing the congregation of worshippers at the February edition of the Government House Covenant Service at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, noting that; “since the cleric had apologised, the people should forgive him and move on.”

He described the people of the state as hospitable and accommodating, urging them not to hold the incident against Pastor Yusuf.

“As a State, we have put this behind us. We have accepted the apologies.

We are even more blessed by the visit of the Founder and General Overseer of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, who was in the State at the same time for a five – day crusade,” he recalled.

He commended security agencies for their timely intelligence gathering and prompt intervention, which helped prevent any breakdown of law and order, disclosing that he had directed the State Attorney General to halt preparations for legal proceedings against Pastor Yusuf.

The governor disclosed that some youths had reacted strongly to the offensive recording of Pastor Yusuf’s diatribe, and were prepared to take violent actions, but were restrained through the intervention of security operatives.

“We have always prayed against anything evil happening to our guests. We ensure that dignitaries come in peace and leave in peace,” he maintained.