The All Progressives Congress Media Network (APCMN) is compelled to respond to the malicious and baseless fabrications by Offiong Aqua on YouTube, aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Contrary to Aqua’s false claims, Senator Akpabio has no plans to field any candidate against Governor Umo Eno in the next election cycle. We affirm that the Senate President is totally committed to the re-election of the governor for a second term. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shares the same commitment, and there are no plans for a single term in Akwa Ibom State. We challenge Offiong Aqua to provide evidence of the person Senator Akpabio is allegedly preparing to field against Governor Umo Eno. The truth is, Governor Umo Eno will be overwhelmingly re-elected by the Akwa Ibom people on the platform of the APC in the next election cycle.
Furthermore, we find it utterly insulting for Offiong Aqua to insinuate that our Governor, Pst Umo Eno, is demoralized. On the contrary, our governor is doing exceedingly well, and our people are thrilled with his exemplary leadership and remarkable achievements. His commitment to the progress and development of Akwa Ibom State is unwavering, and we have every confidence in his ability to deliver another term of outstanding service.
Additionally, we categorically refute the claims that Senator Godswill Akpabio used and dumped Obong Nsima Ekere, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, and Chief Don Etiebet. It is a natural occurrence in politics for individuals to agree or disagree based on interests and ambitions, and this does not necessarily imply exploitation or abandonment. We urge Offiong Aqua to desist from peddling false narratives aimed at stirring up unnecessary controversy.
Regarding the South South Development Commission’s head office, we believe that the focus should be on the many benefits the SSDC’s headquarters will bring to the Akwa Ibom economy, including job creation, infrastructure development, and increased investment opportunities. The specific property used as the head office is of little consequence, and we urge Offiong Aqua to join us in celebrating this significant development for the state. The Niger Delta Development Commission’s head office was located in a private property in Port Harcourt for over twenty years, setting a precedent.
We also wish to acknowledge and appreciate Senator Godswill Akpabio’s immense contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom State and the South-South region, which are a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the progress and development of the region. His role in conceiving and sponsoring the formation of the South South Development Commission, facilitating the choice of Akwa Ibom State as the headquarters of the Commission, and ensuring the appointment of an indigene of the state, Ms Usoro Offiong Akpabio, as the pioneer Managing Director of the commission, is a demonstration of his unwavering commitment to the progress and development of the region. These achievements should be celebrated and appreciated by all, rather than being subjected to unnecessary negative and false propaganda. The impact of these contributions will be felt for generations to come, and we are confident that the good people of Akwa Ibom State will forever be grateful for his selfless service.
It has come to our attention that some disgruntled politicians are at work to manipulate issues between the Senate President and the governor, orchestrate crisis, tension, and apprehension in the state with a view to destabilizing our party’s plans for the next election cycle in the state. We want to assure the public that nobody and nothing will come between the two leaders, and our party cannot be distracted by such negative strategies and plans by such disgruntled politicians. The bond between Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno is strong and unbreakable, and they will continue to work together for the progress and development of Akwa Ibom State.
We also wish to clarify that the resignation of the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has no connection to Akwa Ibom politics, contrary to Aqua’s false insinuations.
In conclusion, we condemn Offiong Aqua’s malicious and baseless claims in the strongest possible terms. His reckless and irresponsible utterances are a clear demonstration of desperation and frustration, and we urge him to seek a more constructive and respectful way to express his opinions. We call on the public to reject his false narratives and to stand with the truth. We assure the good people of Akwa Ibom State that Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno will continue to work tirelessly for the progress and development of the state, and we have no doubt that they will emerge victorious in the next election cycle.
Otuekong Iniobong John
Director General,
All Progressives Congress Media Network
29th June 2025