…Urges Civility in Public Discourse

The Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum (USDMPF) has called on political actors across party lines to uphold civility in public discourse and desist from what it described as persistent attacks and misrepresentations against the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.

In a press conference jointly addressed by its Chairman and Secretary of Board of Trustees (BoT), the forum, Elder Ernest Akpan and Revd. Richard Peters respectively, the group warned that the build-up to the 2027 general elections should not be characterized by smear campaigns or personal aspersions, urging aspirants and political stakeholders to instead engage in issue-based politics.

The statement expressed concern over what it called “misleading narratives” being circulated in sections of the media about the Governor and some prominent figures in the Uyo Senatorial District, insisting such claims do not reflect accurate accounts of ongoing developments in the state.

According to the forum, “For some time now, we have observed public commentary that misrepresents the person of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno,, and the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.”

It added, “We urge that this practice be discontinued forthwith as it does not reflect accurate accounts concerning the Governor and other prominent indigenes of the Uyo Senatorial District.”

According to the group, it had followed Governor Umo Eno’s political journey closely, including his 2023 election campaigns, and could attest to what it described as the fulfillment of his campaign promises and continued commitment to development under the ARISE Agenda.

The forum highlighted achievements of the administration in sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, security, and tourism.

“It noted that several road projects have been executed across the state, alongside school and hospital upgrades in multiple local government areas.

The statement also cited infrastructure development, saying: “Several road projects have been initiated and completed across the State, running to nearly 1,500 kilometres.”

It also commended ongoing initiatives in food security, including the expansion of the Ibom Model Farm, as well as the operations of Ibom Air, which it described as a major milestone in positioning the state in global aviation networks.

“The statement further referenced empowerment and training programmes being implemented through the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre.

While acknowledging the role of opposition in a democracy, the group cautioned against what it termed “retrogressive criticism driven by selfish political interest,” urging political actors to maintain decorum in their engagements.

The statement specifically warned supporters and associates of opposition figures, to avoid what it described as uncouth language and unfounded attacks against the Governor.

“Constructive criticism remains a pillar of democracy, but it becomes destructive when it is tailored to satisfy narrow political interests,” the group stated, adding that Governor Umo Eno’s efforts in clearing pension and gratuity arrears deserved commendation rather than condemnation.

It further claimed that housing and empowerment initiatives of the administration were benefiting citizens across political divides, including critics of the government, and urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace and unity.

The statement specifically advised political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, noting: “Aspirants and their co-travellers in the 2027 journey must be civil and avoid uncouth language and caustic attacks on the Governor.

“Pastor Umo Eno is our treasured brand, and we remain duty-bound to protect his reputation.”

The group further stressed: “No matter how politically biased people may be, decent conduct is desirable. It is imperative to draw a line between progress and regress.”

Reaffirming its support for the Governor, the forum described him as a “treasured brand” and pledged to continue defending his reputation through legitimate means.

“As patriots, we call for caution. Pastor Umo Eno represents progress, and Akwa Ibom State cannot afford a return to divisive politics,” the statement read.

The group concluded by urging all political actors to prepare for the 2027 elections through lawful party processes and to allow voters to make decisions based on performance records rather than propaganda.

“Constructive criticism remains a major driver of democracy, but it becomes retrogressive when tailored to satisfy selfish political interest,” the group warned.