GOVERNMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE: GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE DISTRACTED BY FALSEHOOD AND MALICIOUS PROPAGANDA

June 1, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

1. The Government of Akwa Ibom State has observed with concern the circulation of a video on social media, and the calculated attempts by detractors and self-styled “pastorpreneurs” to exploit a deeply emotional family moment for political mischief.
2. The Government wishes to state emphatically that the administration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D, will not be distracted from the steady and focused implementation of the ARISE Agenda, which has brought unprecedented development to every sector of the State.
3. For clarity, the video in question captures an incident that occurred shortly after the painful passing of the Governor’s beloved wife last year. It is disheartening that a private and traumatic moment involving a grieving young girl is now being maliciously weaponized in an attempt to tarnish the image of the Governor and score cheap political points.
4. The public is reminded that at no point in the said video did the child accuse the Governor of causing her mother’s death, as falsely portrayed by mischief makers. Rather, the video reflects a moment of emotional outpouring from a bereaved child who, under the influence of false prophets, had been misled to believe that the family’s involvement in politics contributed to her mother’s demise. The child was simply seeking the attention and reassurance of her father during a time of deep grief
5. We refer the public to the Governor’s earlier remarks on the matter, made during a media interaction on Saturday, May 31, 2025:

“My family is intact, and you can see all of them here, including Jane. That event happened immediately after my wife’s death last year. Why is it resurfacing now, on the eve of our second anniversary, when we are celebrating the milestones we have achieved? People must understand the psychological toll such a loss can take on children. I appeal to all to allow my wife’s peaceful soul to rest. Let us not revive sorrow for political amusement.”

6. It is unfortunate and deeply regrettable that certain individuals in our society would twist such a tender family moment to suit their false and malicious agenda. These actions reflect the desperation of those unsettled by the Governor’s visible, verifiable, and widely celebrated achievements.
7. The Government is aware of these antics and the merchants of misinformation behind them. We urge the public to treat such content with the contempt it deserves and to remain vigilant against those who thrive on distortion and division.
8. As part of activities marking its second anniversary, the Umo Eno administration is currently commissioning and flagging off over 50 life-touching projects across the State—further proof of its unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the people and the sustainable delivery of the ARISE Agenda.
9. His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, is not only the Governor of Akwa Ibom State but also an ordained pastor, a humane and compassionate leader, whose legendary love and care for the people continue to define and inspire his people-centered approach to governance.
10. In just two years, the administration has recorded unprecedented accomplishments across Agriculture, Rural Development, Infrastructure Expansion, Security Management, Education, Healthcare, Human Capital Development, and Humanitarian Interventions—bringing transformation and renewed hope to citizens across all 31 Local Government Areas.
11. The Government therefore calls on all well-meaning Akwa Ibomites and members of the public to disregard false narratives and remain steadfast in their support for the Governor’s vision, humility, and purpose-driven leadership.

Signed:
Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah
Commissioner for Information