Akwa Ibom: Smear campaigns against ex-Gov Udom Emmanuel, effort in futility — Group
• Mr Michael Joseph Okon (m) addressing journalists during the briefing, on Thursday
Itoro Bassey
The Coalition of Youth Leaders in Akwa Ibom State has declared that the smear campaigns and baseless corruption allegations targeting former Governor Udom Emmanuel are ultimately futile, as the achievements of his administration would stand as a testament to his leadership.
During a press briefing in Uyo on Thursday, the group’s International President, Mr. Michael Joseph Okon, revealed their awareness of a calculated scheme by Mr. Oghenedoro Pedro Ortega, who is commonly known on social media as Fejiro Oliver.
Okon stated that Mr Oliver’s scheme aimed to launch a series of coordinated smear campaigns against Mr. Udom Emmanuel as the 2027 election season draws near.
“This notorious blackmail kingpin and self-styled cyber bully has been wreaking havoc on the reputation of our state leaders, leaving a trail of destruction and deceit in his wake.
“The latest salvo in Oliver’s arsenal of calumny was launched against His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, with the spurious claim that he mismanaged state funds by supporting a deserving Nigerian, Precious Bodunde, with a sum of N10 million.
“This blatant falsehood was predictably amplified by Oliver’s paymasters, who have been hell-bent on dragging the Governor’s name through the mud.
“In a bizarre twist, Oliver’s attention then shifted to the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, as he unleashed a barrage of unverifiable data and vile invectives against the former Governor.
“This egregious attempt to sully the reputation of Mr Udom Emmanuel, a distinguished statesman and leader of our great state, will not go unchallenged”.
Okon mentioned that his group was aware of a letter allegedly from the National Assembly, dated November 5, 2024, which requested Governor Eno to provide information regarding the funds and projects carried out by his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, during his eight years in office.
“We view this letter with suspicion, as it appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to provide a veneer of legitimacy to Fejiro Oliver’s smear campaign with its dangerous ethnic colorations which should be avoided”.
He stated that Mr. Emmanuel’s accomplishments and the legacy of his administration would speak for themselves, unaffected by the malicious attacks from Fejiro Oliver and his backers.
He highlighted several significant projects completed during Mr. Udom Emmanuel’s tenure, including Ibom Air, the state’s successful commercial airline, and extensive infrastructure development, which featured the construction of the highest number of roads—primarily dual carriageways—as well as the longest bridge ever built by a state government in the South South region, the Etebi-Enwang Road Bridge in Mbo.
Additionally, Okon mentioned advancements in healthcare, where the previous administration remodeled and equipped 13 state-of-the-art general hospitals, established a medical emergency referral center, and set up a modular laboratory at Ituk Mbang.
He also noted the former governor’s significant contributions to sports, the economy, and security.
Okon called on security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to carry out a comprehensive investigation into Fejiro Oliver’s activities and determine the origins of his wealth.
He stated: “We also call on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to demand security checks on individuals seeking to register companies in Nigeria, to prevent criminals like Fejiro Oliver from using these organizations as fronts for blackmail and extortion.
“To Fejiro Oliver, we say: your days of deception are numbered. The law will catch up with you, and you will be held responsible for your actions. We, the Coalition of Youth Leaders in Akwa Ibom State, will not allow you to continue your nefarious activities in our state.
“We urge all citizens of Akwa Ibom State to remain vigilant and united in the face of these malicious attacks. We must not allow the nefarious activities of Fejiro Oliver and his ilk to undermine the progress and development of our dear state.
“We are not unaware that the timing of these smear campaigns is not unconnected to the approaching electioneering period. It’s clear that Pastor Umo Eno’s opponents, having found nothing substantial to disparage him with, have resorted to hiring guns to tarnish his reputation.
“We urge the good people of Akwa Ibom State to see through this desperation and not be swayed by these malicious attacks. Pastor Umo Eno’s commitment to the welfare and development of our dear state remains unwavering, and we will continue to stand by him.
“We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in condemning the actions of Fejiro Oliver and his paymasters. Together, we can build a society that values truth, justice, and accountability”.
