UYO, NIGERIA – The Akwa Ibom State Government has denied claims that the state receives N200 billion monthly, calling the report misleading and inaccurate.
According to Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Umo Eno, the report by The Crest Newspaper is “false and irresponsible.”
Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, clarified the Governor never stated the state receives N200 billion monthly.
“At no point did the Governor state or suggest such a figure,” Umanah said Thursday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
He explained the Governor only referenced a misleading headline suggesting the state got N650 billion, which could wrongly imply N200 billion monthly.
“There’s no Executive Council Meeting ongoing,” Umanah added. “It’s a two-day Projects Delivery and Performance Review Meeting.”
On politics, he said the Governor respects all political structures and has no intention of dismantling the PDP or any other party.
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Umanah stated members of the Executive Council are expected to align with the Governor’s vision as standard for all appointees.
The government urged journalists to practice ethical journalism and report accurately to avoid misinforming the public.
“We stand by our May 21 statement,” Umanah said. “The public should disregard the fabrications in The Crest’s report.”
Social media users urged government transparency, demanding publication of official revenue figures to counter misinformation credibly.
John Bassey said, “Post monthly FAAC allocations instead of just debunking. People don’t have time to search online.”
Abia Bassey echoed the call, adding, “Inform us with the truth if you want to be credible.”
Daniel Akpan criticized government silence on figures, asking, “When will the government spokesperson do the needful with facts?”
Citizens like John Essien and Effiong Abednego demanded full financial disclosure to end speculation and build trust.
“Do you fear accountability?” Effiong asked. “Tell us how much the state receives then.”
Timothy Akpan wrote, “Umo Eno is cashing out while poor youths keep praising him.”