Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has appealed to the state’s youths to refrain from attacking or making baseless allegations against the family of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging them instead to uphold respect and peace in addressing grievances.
The governor made the call on Tuesday after members of the Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition held a peaceful protest at the Government House in Uyo over issues reportedly linked to a female member of the Greater Akpabio family. Their letter of concern was received by the state’s Head of Service, Effiong Essien, on behalf of the governor.
In a statement released Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno acknowledged the youths’ right to express themselves but warned that family disputes should not be turned into public scandals capable of damaging the reputation of respected figures.
“We don’t interfere in family matters that should be privately resolved,” Eno said. “But I appeal to our younger generation to not destroy the leaders God has raised for us by tarnishing their image or spreading unfounded claims.”
The governor emphasized the importance of civility, unity, and mutual respect across political divides, noting that these values define the character of Akwa Ibom people.
“Our leaders, regardless of their political affiliations, are assets to us. We must not engage in actions that could diminish their standing in society,” he added.
Governor Eno described the Senate President’s position as a source of pride for the state and called on citizens to accord Akpabio and his office due respect. He also urged the youth to embrace dialogue and peaceful means in resolving conflicts, stressing that mutual respect and harmony remain vital for Akwa Ibom’s progress.
The governor’s remarks followed recent controversy sparked by murder allegations made by Akpabio’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Patience Akpabio, against the Senate President.
In response, the Afe Nkuku Annang, the apex traditional authority in Annang land, summoned Mrs. Akpabio and her husband, Barrister Ibanga Akpabio, to appear before it within seven days over what it described as “malicious and inciting” social media posts targeting the Senate President.
The traditional rulers, in a communiqué issued Monday, warned that failure to honour the summons could
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