Governor Umo Eno Warns Akwa Ibom Youths Against Attacks on Akpabio’s Family

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has cautioned youths in the state against launching attacks or making unfounded allegations against the family of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The governor urged young people to respect leaders and adopt peaceful methods in resolving conflicts rather than resorting to public confrontations.

Governor Eno issued the warning following a peaceful protest 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.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, the protesters had submitted a letter outlining their grievances, which was received by the state Head of Service, Effiong Essien, on behalf of the governor.

While acknowledging the right of citizens to express their views, Governor Eno warned that family disputes should remain private and not be turned into public controversies capable of tarnishing the image of respected leaders.

He said, “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.”

The governor emphasized the importance of civility, unity, and respect for leadership, irrespective of political differences, stressing that these values reflect Akwa Ibom’s identity and heritage.

“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.

Governor Eno also 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.

He urged youths to exercise restraint and resolve grievances through dialogue and peaceful engagement, noting that mutual respect and peace remain the foundation of the state’s development.

The governor’s intervention follows a murder allegation leveled against Senator Akpabio by his sister-in-law, Mrs. Patience Akpabio.

InfoStride News reports that the Afe Nkuku Annang, the apex body of traditional rulers in Annang land, has summoned Mrs. Akpabio and her husband, Ibanga Akpabio, to appear before it within seven days over alleged defamatory and inciting social media posts against the Senate President.

In a communiqué issued after their meeting on Monday, the monarchs expressed deep concern over what they described as “malicious and unguarded” statements made by Mrs. Akpabio, accusing the Senate President of being linked 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 communiqué stated.