By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has denied media reports that it was probing the immediate past Governor of the State, Mr Udom Emmanuel over his role in the failure of the Multi Billion Naira St Gabriel’s Coconut Refinery and other state owned enterprises established during his tenure.
It has also derided media reports suggesting that the Assembly reffered to Emmanuel as a failure.
In a statement endorsed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Kufre-Abasi Edidem made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, the House said it merely constituted a committee to look into the non payment of salaries of the refinery following a motion by a member on the matter.
“The attention of the leadership and members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has been drawn to a report on the Leadership Newspaper of Monday August 11,2025, and syndicated on several other media publications that the immediate past Governor, His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel,CON, is facing a probe by the House of Assembly.
“The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly 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 members of the public as follows:
“At no point has the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly constituted any committee to probe former Governor Udom Emmanuel, contrary to the report. The publication is speculative, lacks a factual basis, and does not reflect any official position or resolution of the House.
“What transpired in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on Thursday August 7, 2025, was that the Honourable Member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Hon Uwem Peter Imoh-Ita brought before the House that some employees of the Coconut Plantation who are largely of Mkpat Enin origin, therefore his constituents, allegedly have not been paid for seven months
“As a norm in the House, Adhoc
committees are usually constituted to investigate the veracity or otherwise, of public complaints. The matter of the St Gabriel’s Coconut Oil Factory, being a state owned enterprise, was not an exception. It had nothing to do with the issues of ownership of other companies in operations in the State.” It explained.
It said neither the Assembly nor Governor Umo Eno would descend to disparaging leaders and past leaders of the Statr adding that Emmanuel did his best to lay the foundation for the industrial and economic growth of the State.
“This is seen in the success of the State-owned Ibom Airline, that is regarded the best in the country. At no time has the House targeted or accused the former Governor of any wrongdoing. Any attempt to portray the House as engaging in a probe against Mr. Udom Emmanuel is misleading and mischievous.” It maintained.
The statement called on media organizations to rise above board, verify facts from official legislative sources before publication while it remained focused on its constitutional mandate, especially in ensuring that public sector operations, including those related to workers’ welfare and state-owned enterprises, are handled transparently and lawfully.
“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.
“This would continue to be done without bias, prejudice, or political colouration. We are not just the soul of democracy, we are the conscience of the society and the voice of our people. The public is hereby advised to disregard the said report in its entirety.” The statement concluded.
