RismadarVoice Reporters
September 13, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Government has denied allegations that Governor Umo Eno instigated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to seize a Lagos property allegedly belonging to former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The denial followed a social media video by the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, in which he alleged that Governor Eno reported his predecessor to the anti-graft agency over the property, which was allegedly acquired illegally.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Uyo, the state capital, Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, described the allegation as false, reckless and without foundation. He said the claim appeared designed to incite the public and create tension in the state.
Umanah said Governor Eno had never reported anyone to the EFCC, including Emmanuel, who preceded him as governor.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Umo Eno has never reported anyone to the EFCC,” Umanah said, adding that he was prepared to be challenged or contradicted on the matter.
The commissioner also defended Eno’s relationship with previous administrations, saying the governor had consistently demonstrated respect for his predecessors and pursued reconciliation in the interest of peace and stability.
He questioned why Eno would seek to undermine a former administration while retaining several officials who served under Emmanuel and continuing or completing projects initiated by previous governors.
According to the government, Eno’s administration has remained focused on governance and implementation of its development agenda rather than pursuing political disputes with former officials.
The state government consequently urged Akpanudoedehe and other political actors to refrain from making allegations that could deepen political divisions or create unnecessary tension in Akwa Ibom.
It said the state had moved beyond what it described as politics of falsehood, blackmail and manufactured controversies, arguing that residents deserved political leadership focused on peace, development and responsible governance.
The government further maintained that it would continue to protect the peace of the state while pursuing projects under the administration’s ARISE Agenda, including roads and bridges, schools, healthcare facilities, housing initiatives, agriculture, tourism and aviation.
The controversy comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with political actors increasingly scrutinising the activities and relationships of current and former public officials.
The state government did not provide further details about the EFCC action involving the Lagos property, while the allegations made by Akpanudoedehe were not independently established in the statement.
