RismadarVoice Reporters
July 1, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Government has warned individuals and organisations involved in the publication and circulation of false, misleading and malicious information against the Governor, government officials and the administration’s programmes to desist or face legal consequences.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the government expressed concern over what it described as the increasing spread of fabricated reports and misinformation aimed at misleading the public and tarnishing the image of the administration.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and responsible public discourse but stressed that such rights do not extend to the publication of falsehoods, defamatory content or deliberate misinformation.
It stated that while Governor Umo Eno’s administration welcomes constructive criticism, informed debate and public engagement, it would not tolerate the deliberate fabrication of stories or coordinated campaigns of misinformation.
The government cautioned publishers, bloggers, social media influencers, content creators and online platforms against originating or amplifying false information, warning that anyone found culpable would be held accountable in accordance with the laws of Akwa Ibom State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It also urged residents to rely only on verified and official sources of information on government policies, programmes and projects, while calling on media practitioners to uphold the ethics of journalism through accurate, balanced and properly verified reporting.
The state government maintained that it remains focused on implementing the ARISE Agenda and would not be distracted by what it described as campaigns of falsehood and malicious propaganda.
