Akwa Ibom assembly denies probing ex-Gov Emmanuel

The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has denied media reports that it is investigating the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

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Mr Emmanuel became the third democratically elected governor of the state after the return of democracy in 1999, serving two terms from 2015 to 2023.

“The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly wishes to state categorically that there is no scintilla of truth in the publication, in content and intent, and gives clarifications to help properly inform members of the public,” the assembly said in a statement on Tuesday by the Deputy Speaker, Kufre-Abasi Edidem.

An online news platform, Sahara Reporters, and the Leadership newspapers reported that the assembly was probing Mr Emmanuel’s administration.

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For instance, the Leadership reported that the assembly has launched a probe into the ownership of firms established by the former governor.

The paper reported that Saint Gabriel Coconut Refinery, Flour Mills, Syringe Manufacturing Company, and Plywood Company were being investigated.

However, the assembly said no committee has been constituted to probe Mr Emmanuel, and described the report as speculative and lacking “a factual basis.”

Explaining further, Mr Edidem said what happened on 7 August was that a member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency in the Assembly, Uwem Imo-Ita, reported to the House that some employees of the Coconut plantation located in the area have not been paid for seven months.

“As a norm in the House, ad hoc committees are usually constituted to investigate the veracity or otherwise of public complaints. The matter of St. Gabriel Coconut Oil Factory, being a state-owned enterprise, was no exception.

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“It had nothing to do with the issues of ownership of other companies in operations in the state,” the statement said.

The assembly said Mr Emmanuel’s administration was a success, adding that the evidence can be seen in the success of Ibom Air, the state-owned airline set up by the immediate past administration.

While calling for responsible journalism, the assembly said it remains focused on its constitutional mandate, especially ensuring that all public sector companies operating in the state are handled transparently and lawfully.