Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has advised youths in the state to refrain from attacking or making baseless accusations against the family of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The governor, who appealed for calm and mutual respect, emphasized the need for young people to uphold civility and adopt peaceful methods in addressing grievances.
Governor Eno issued the caution following a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday by members of the Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition at the Government House, Uyo.
The protest was reportedly linked to issues raised by a female member of the Greater Akpabio family.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, the protesters presented a letter of grievances, which was received by the state’s Head of Service, Effiong Essien, on behalf of Governor Eno.
Acknowledging the right of citizens to express their opinions, the governor, however, warned that personal or family disagreements should not be turned into public controversies capable of tarnishing the reputation of leaders.
“We don’t dabble into family matters whose resolutions reside purely within the realms of privacy and family level. However, we appeal to our younger generation not to destroy the leaders God has raised for us at all levels by besmirching their character or making unfounded allegations against them,” he said.
Governor Eno’s spokesperson reiterated the importance of civility, unity, and respect for leaders across political divides, describing such values as reflective of Akwa Ibom’s enduring character.
“Our leaders across party lines are our enduring assets, and we must not engage in tendencies that may diminish their standing in society,” he added.
He further noted that the Senate President’s office and person bring pride to the people of Akwa Ibom and should therefore be treated with the utmost respect.
While calling for restraint, the governor encouraged youths to embrace dialogue and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, stressing that peace and mutual respect are vital for the state’s progress and stability.
The protest and the governor’s intervention come amid a murder allegation made against Senator Akpabio by his sister-in-law, Mrs. Patience Akpabio.
Meanwhile, the Afe Nkuku Annang, the apex traditional council in Annang land, has summoned Mrs. Patience Akpabio and her husband, Barrister Ibanga Akpabio, to appear before it within seven days over alleged defamatory and inciting statements made on social media against the Senate President.
In a communiqué issued after its meeting on Monday, the monarchs expressed concern over what they termed “malicious and unguarded” remarks attributed to Mrs. Akpabio, in which she allegedly accused the Senate President of being connected to multiple killings during his tenure as governor.
“The Afe Nkuku Annang hereby gives Barrister Ibanga Akpabio and his wife, Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio, a seven-day ultimatum to appear before the Afe Nkuku Annang for clarification and possible cleansing in accordance with Annang traditional norms and culture. Failure to do so will attract drastic punitive sanctions,” the monarchs stated.
