The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has dismissed reports suggesting that it plans to investigate the immediate past Governor, Udom Emmanuel. Deputy Speaker Kufreabasi Edidem clarified the situation in a statement released in Uyo and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
Edidem stated, “The attention of the leadership and members of the Akwa Ibom Assembly has been drawn to a report in a newspaper publication of Monday, Aug. 11 that the immediate past governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, is facing a probe by the House.”
He emphasized, “The House wishes to state categorically that there is no scintilla of truth in the publication, in content and in intent and gives clarifications to help properly inform the public as follows: That the publication is speculative, lacks factual basis, and does not reflect any official position or resolution of the house.”
According to Edidem, the issue raised during the plenary session on Thursday, Aug. 7, was unrelated to the former governor.
“What transpired at the plenary session on Thursday, Aug. 7 was that the member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Mr Uwem Imoh-Ita, raised a Matter of Urgent Public Importance that some employees of the Coconut Plantation had not been paid for seven months.”
He added, “As a norm in the house, an ad hoc committee has been constituted to investigate the issue raised and report back within one month. The committee has yet to submit its report to the house for consideration.”
Edidem further urged the media to confirm facts from official sources before publishing stories.
“Inaccurate and sensational reporting not only misleads the public but also undermines the credibility of democratic institutions. Media professionals should thus know where to draw the line between facts and sensationalism. Journalism is a noble profession with its strong ethical bent,” he said.
