Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has denied any connection with the recent allegations of N700 billion fraud against his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel. The fraud charges, which are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have sparked heated debate in the state. Governor Eno made these remarks at a town hall meeting in the Abak area of the state on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
The allegations, which involve claims of money laundering and fund mismanagement, have created a storm, but Governor Eno was quick to distance his administration from them. “I don’t know where they get those figures from because it can’t be from Akwa Ibom State; it can’t be from us – we don’t have such figures,” Governor Eno stated. He further clarified that the state government had no involvement in the accusations against Udom Emmanuel, insisting that the figures quoted were not based on any official records from Akwa Ibom.
Governor Eno, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also expressed his concerns about what he described as the consistent vilification of past governors of Akwa Ibom State since the return to democracy in 1999. “I begin to feel that how we treat our leaders after they have put in all their efforts to serve can be very discouraging,” he said. He noted that similar allegations had been leveled against former governors of the state, including Obong Attah and the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, both of whom faced probes by the EFCC during their time in office.
Eno’s remarks come in the wake of the EFCC’s detention of Udom Emmanuel on March 4, 2025. Emmanuel, who served as the governor of Akwa Ibom State from May 2015 to May 2023, is facing allegations of embezzlement and diversion of funds. According to reports, the petitioner claims that Emmanuel received approximately N3 trillion from the Federation Account during his eight years in office, but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion, along with unpaid ongoing projects worth N300 billion. The most serious charge is the alleged inability to account for N700 billion.
Governor Eno voiced his concerns about the implications of such probes on leadership in the state. He argued that continuously subjecting past leaders to scrutiny and investigations after they have finished their term in office could discourage current leaders from performing their duties to the best of their abilities. “What this does is to discourage leadership; it discourages you from giving your best, from burning out yourself because at the end of the day, the people don’t show you that gratitude,” Eno said.
He added that, although he expected to face similar challenges in the future, such actions could prevent leaders from giving their all to public service. “When a man has served his state meritoriously like Governor Udom Emmanuel did, honestly, he should be honoured and respected,” he said.
Governor Eno went on to criticize the ongoing vilification of Emmanuel, arguing that it was unjust and unfair. “I don’t see a place for this kind of vilification that is going on; it is not correct – I don’t believe it should go on. It is not correct, it is not truthful, and we need to just dismiss it with a pinch of salt,” he said, calling for the matter to be put into proper perspective.
The allegations against Udom Emmanuel have stirred strong reactions across Akwa Ibom State, with many people voicing opinions on both sides of the issue. Supporters of the former governor have questioned the timing of the allegations, suggesting that they may be politically motivated. Others have expressed concerns about the impact of the case on the state’s image and the reputation of its leadership.
Udom Emmanuel, who served two terms as governor of Akwa Ibom State, is widely credited with making significant strides in the development of the state. His administration focused on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and industrialization. Under his leadership, Akwa Ibom saw the establishment of several projects, including the Ibom Deep Seaport, which is intended to make the state a major player in Nigeria’s maritime industry. Emmanuel’s tenure also saw a strong emphasis on human capital development and the empowerment of youths and women.
However, Emmanuel’s tenure was not without controversy. His administration faced criticism for the high level of public debt incurred during his time in office, with many questioning the sustainability of the projects initiated. Critics argue that despite the numerous projects, the state remains burdened by debt, and many of the benefits of these initiatives are yet to materialize for the people.
The ongoing investigation by the EFCC has added to the tension surrounding Emmanuel’s legacy. The EFCC is expected to carry out a thorough investigation to determine the validity of the fraud allegations. In the meantime, the people of Akwa Ibom are left to grapple with the fallout from the case, with many questioning the political and economic motives behind the allegations.
Governor Eno’s statements highlight the deep-seated political tensions in Akwa Ibom, where leadership changes are often accompanied by accusations and counter-accusations. The governor’s comments reflect the challenges faced by political leaders in the state, who must navigate both internal and external pressures while working to improve the lives of their people.
As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see how the EFCC handles the case and whether it will have a lasting impact on the political landscape of Akwa Ibom. The allegations of N700 billion fraud against Udom Emmanuel have added a new layer of complexity to the state’s political dynamics, and the outcome of the investigation could have significant consequences for both the former governor and the current leadership in Akwa Ibom.
In the coming weeks, as the EFCC delves deeper into the matter, it remains to be seen how the story will unfold and whether Governor Umo Eno’s remarks will have any bearing on the course of the investigation. What is certain, however, is that the people of Akwa Ibom will be closely watching as the legal process takes its course.
