A former Minister of Lands and Housing, Chief Nduese Essien has urged Senator Ita Enang to advocate for legislative reforms, rather than “lending credibility to what increasingly appears to be a manufactured controversy”.
Chief Essien who is the Political leader of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, made this known when he played host to a team of journalists at his Ntaisip country home in Eket.
He noted with dismay the ongoing media trial of Mr Udom Emmanuel, immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State orchestrated by one Fejiro Oliver, a Delta State born self acclaimed political activist.
In what he noted as a social media drama, Chief Essien stated that Oliver with no evidence had to resort to the social media trial;
” The most striking aspect of this unfolding drama is that when Mr. Oliver first made his allegations; he had no tangible evidence against his supposed target. Yet, he proceeded with the familiar strategy of media trial. On January 8, 2025, he boldly declared that he would submit a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Deacon Udom Emmanuel by the following Monday. He further alleged that the former governor was in a state of panic and had dispatched an advance team to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to block the petition.”
Chief Essien, a former two term National Assembly Member wondered why his name should be dragged into what he had no prior knowledge about;
“Adding intrigue to the saga, he needlessly dragged my name—Hon. Nduese Essien—into the fray, alleging that I was “hired” to appear on Arise News or Channels Television to defend Udom Emmanuel. It was an interesting claim, considering I had no prior knowledge of or involvement in the absurd drama.
“With all the noise surrounding the anticipated petition, one would have expected swift action. Instead, despite the media frenzy, the grand petition did not surface until January 21, 2025—a full two weeks after the much-publicised announcement. What does this reveal? Simple: Mr. Oliver was fishing for evidence. He hoped that certain individuals in Akwa Ibom would supply him with just enough material to write his petition. It appears his gamble paid off, as he eventually cobbled together a petition, and the court of public opinion announced its verdict.”
He further stated that he has been an active critic of government for the general good of the masses, but warned that it must be based on accountability, principles and through proper channels;
“Let me be clear: I have previously criticised Udom Emmanuel, just as I have done with Obong Victor Attah and Chief Godswill Akpabio. My criticisms were never for financial inducement, personal gain, or public appeasement. Rather, they were based on principle. Accountability is fundamental, but it must be pursued through legitimate channels. Justice is not served by reckless declarations of guilt in the media to advance a particular agenda.”
The former lawmaker condemned the ethnic colouration of the media trial of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, adding that the rule of law transcends ethnic affiliations;
“Additionally, we must reject the ethnic undertones creeping into this issue. Corruption, accountability, and the rule of law transcend ethnic affiliations. Whether one hails from Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, or any other part of the state, the law remains the law. Those purporting to fight corruption must do so with fairness and objectivity, rather than sowing discord along ethnic lines to manipulate public sentiment.”
He urged Akwa Ibom people to ignore opportunistic grandstanding as witnessed by the ongoing media trials initiated by the political activist Oliver;
“At some point, we must differentiate genuine demands for accountability from opportunistic grandstanding. Public officials are, by default, subject to scrutiny by the EFCC, ICPC, and other anti-graft agencies. If there are legitimate grounds for prosecution, due process will take its course. Until then, let us refrain from fueling baseless media trials. And, above all, I will not allow my name to be co-opted into this circus for the sake of sensationalism.”
He commended what he described as the newfound peace and unity in the state, an act he attributed to Governor Umo Eno, urging for it to be sustained.
“Akwa Ibom has been experiencing another era of peace and inclusive governance since May 2023, thanks to Governor Umo Eno. The days of fierce disagreement and bickering between successive governors and opposition parties are gone. Today, there is a remarkable sense of harmony, which has allowed stakeholders across party lines to work together towards a common goal.
“This newfound unity is a welcome departure from the past, where political differences often hindered the development of the state. The efforts of the current government to foster inclusivity and cooperation have created a conducive environment for growth and development.
“As Akwa Ibom continues on this path, it’s clear that it is poised for a bright and prosperous future, where witch-hunting, tribal sentiments, speculations, and pull-down syndrome have no place.”
