The Government of Akwa Ibom State has described as “false, reprehensible, and misleading” the accusation that Governor Udom Emmanuel was building a 6-billion naira personal mansion.
It will be recalled that the media had been awash with reports that Gov. Emmanuel was building the mansion in his hometown of Awa in Onna Local Government Area of the state.
In his reaction on behalf of the governor, State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Aniekan Umanah, said it was irresponsible of anyone to sacrifice factual reporting on the altar of sensationalism.
The commissioner, who described the actions as unprofessional, also called it mischievous and irresponsible.
Umanah stated that, “It was in the same building that the Governor hosted friends and Nigerians from all walks of life when he held a thanksgiving shortly after his appointment as Secretary to the State Government.
“It was in the same compound that he hosted supporters during campaigns and also on the day of his inauguration as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. What is the noise about?”
Furthermore, he said that the governor has always had properties in Ewet housing and Awa long before he became a politician and chided “noisemakers” who were making a scene over a mere 4-bedroom apartment.
He equally described the governor as a successful individual who had built his wealth over a long period before venturing into politics.
Umanah appealed to the public not to pay heed to “cheap blackmail” being circulated about the person of the governor, while stating that the governor would never compromise on his zero tolerance for corruption and the proper utilization of state resources.