Defection: Group Lambasts Prof Offiong Over Comments on Akpabio, Umo Eno

The Akwa Ibom Democratic Vanguard has condemned in strong terms the recent viral video by Prof. Offiong Aqua where he launched a series of reckless, defamatory, and unfounded attacks on the Governor Umo Bassey Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The group in a statement signed by the President, Otuekong Effiong Bassey described Prof. Aqua’s utterances as irresponsible and malicious.

The statement read in part

His attempt to malign Governor Umo Eno’s character and private life is completely unacceptable and speaks volumes about his own moral bankruptcy. No serious-minded academic or public commentator stoops that low unless driven by envy, personal bitterness, or failed ambition.

It is important to remind the public that the same Offiong Aqua was a beneficiary of Senator Godswill Akpabio’s administration, having received a Healthcare Audit and Inventory contract in 2010. That contract ended in a woeful failure, yielding nothing but a poorly done PowerPoint presentation that was of no use to the State. To now turn around and insult the Senate President, who once offered him a chance to prove himself, is the height of ingratitude and opportunism.

Equally disturbing is Prof. Aqua’s attempt to ridicule and question President Bola Tinubu’s appointment decisions. One wonders what authority or insight he believes he has to dictate to the President of the Federal Republic. If Prof. Aqua is desperate for federal appointment, especially now that his shady healthcare exploits have come under scrutiny, he should use the front door, not resort to online blackmail.

His tantrums about possible political realignments also miss the mark. If Governor Umo Eno, like many others before him, chooses to exercise his political rights, including changing party platforms, it remains within the bounds of democracy. He would not be the first to do so.

Let it be clearly stated that political movement is a legitimate part of Nigeria’s political culture. Examples abound: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu transitioned from SDP to AD and later formed the APC. Atiku Abubakar has moved across PDP, ACN, APC, and back to PDP. Bukola Saraki, Aminu Tambuwal, Samuel Ortom, David Umahi, Ben Ayade, Bello Matawalle and Godswill Akpabio have all exercised their political freedom to move across party lines. Such decisions are not treason, they are political choices.

Governor Umo Eno, more than any other leader in recent history, has run the most inclusive government since the creation of Akwa Ibom State. Under his leadership, the unity of the State has been strengthened, with political rancour and bickering reduced to its barest minimum. Today, Akwa Ibom people are speaking with one voice across party lines, united in peace and shared purpose. This stability and cohesion are among the Governor’s greatest legacies—one that no amount of propaganda or blackmail can undo.

As for Prof. Aqua’s own record, it is not difficult to trace. He has moved from one African country to another, allegedly peddling healthcare grant proposals and academic partnerships under the guise of research, many of which ended in questions, controversies, and unfulfilled outcomes. His so-called academic exploits, including partnerships with NYU and Ghana’s Ministry of Health, are marred by credible allegations of misuse of funds and false representation.

We may not yet know whose script Prof. Offiong Aqua is acting, but it is clear that his motives are unholy and his methods are destructive. He has turned himself into a political undertaker looking for relevance and visibility in the most dishonourable way.

Let it be known that the people of Akwa Ibom are watching. They know who is working and who is wailing. Governor Umo Eno remains focused on delivering his mandate under the ARISE Agenda and will not be distracted by the noise of a disgraced contractor or a failed academic entrepreneur.

This rejoinder serves as both a clarification and a warning. Enough of the falsehood. Enough of the slander. Enough of the self-promotion at the expense of public servants who are working tirelessly to uplift the lives of our people.