Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has cautioned youths in the state against attacking or making unfounded allegations against the family of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
This was as he urged them to show respect for leaders and embrace peaceful conflict resolution.
The governor gave the warning after a peaceful protest on Tuesday by members of the Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition at the Government House, Uyo, over issues raised by a female member of the Greater Akpabio family.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, on Thursday, the protesters had presented a letter outlining their concerns, which was received by the Head of Service, Effiong Essien, on behalf of Governor Eno.
Governor Eno, while acknowledging the right of citizens to express their opinions, warned that family disputes should remain private and not be escalated into public controversies capable of tarnishing the image of respected 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.
The governor’s mouthpiece stressed the importance of civility, unity, and respect for leaders irrespective of political affiliation, noting that such virtues reflect Akwa Ibom’s enduring values.
“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 maintained that the office and person of the Senate President bring immense pride to the people of Akwa Ibom and should be accorded the highest level of respect.
While calling for restraint, the governor urged youths to explore dialogue and peaceful means in resolving grievances, maintaining that mutual respect and peace remain the bedrock of the state’s progress and development.
The protest and Governor Eno’s intervention come on the back of a murder allegation against Akpabio by his sister-in-law, Mrs. Patience Akpabio.
DAILY POST reports that the Afe Nkuku Annang, the apex body of traditional rulers in Annang land, Akwa Ibom State, summoned the sister-in-law and her husband, Ibanga Akpabio, to appear before it within seven days over alleged defamatory and inciting social media posts against the Senate President.
According to a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting on Monday, the monarchs expressed deep concern over what they described as “malicious and unguarded” statements allegedly made by Mrs. Akpabio, accusing the Senate President of being linked to multiple killings in Akwa Ibom State 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.
‘Don’t destroy leaders God has raised’ – Gov Eno warns against attacks on Akpabio’s family
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