By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
Conference of Personal Aides, COPA, to Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of a PDP guber aspirant in the state Mr Akan Okon for criminal defamation against the party’s guber candidate, Pastor Umo Eno.
They have also congratulated Eno on his victory at the Federal High Court, Uyo over alleged certificate forgery in a suit instituted by Okon, a former Commissioner for Economic Development in the state.
In a statement endorsed by COPA Secretary Mr Essien Ndueso in Uyo yesterday, the conference regretted that Okon with his education and high placing in the society could be susceptible to deceit and manipulation by people.
“This judicial victory of Pastor Umo Eno against the thoroughly defeated Governorship aspirant, Mr Akan Okon, is a confirmation that no matter how attractive lies appear, truth will always prevail.
“While we congratulate the Governorship hopeful, Pastor Umo Eno on his victory at the Court, we see yesterday’s victory as the prelude to the victory at the polls come March, 2023 as the entire Akwa Ibom State can now attest to the fact that Pastor Umo Eno is a man of veracity and character.
“We thank God that the illusion of Mr Akan Okon further proves the integrity of Pastor Umo Eno who had staked his image on the alleged falsification of documents the defeated Governorship aspirant, Mr Akan Okon fabricated for his ill-fated ambition to become governor.
“Of course, we have never entertained any doubt regarding the tested integrity of Pastor Umo Eno over the years. However, now that Pastor Umo Eno’s WAEC certificate has been judiciary-confirmed by a court of competent jurisdiction, we urge Pastor Umo Eno to immediately institute a case of criminal defamation against Mr Akan Okon.
“We believe that awarding the Fifteen Million Naira damage in favour of Pastor Umo Eno is the judge’s way of assuaging the Governorship hopeful, and absolving him of the allegations.
Mr Akan Okon should face the consequences of his unreasonable action, and be arraigned immediately for the criminal defamation on Pastor Umo.” The statement said.
They commended the Governor for his choice of Eno, “in whom we have seen the capacity to keep the light of development and prosperity of Akwa Ibom lit by Mr Udom Emmanuel aglow.
“Therefore, we strongly condemn the action of Mr Akan Okon and his veiled gang, and will continue to contribute our quota towards the actualization of the completion agenda with special concern for the succession plan of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
“It is against this background that we call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr Akan Okon for criminally defaming a man blessed by God and prepared for service to God and humanity, Pastor Umo Eno
