By Edet Ikotidem
The Uyo Senatorial District Media Professionals Forum (USDMPF) has called on Senator John Udoedehe, gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to exercise restraint in his public statements concerning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), former Governor Udom Emmanuel, his former aides and the administration of Governor Umo Eno.
USDMPF Urges Udoedehe to Exercise Restraint, Focus Campaign on Issues
The Forum made the appeal in a statement by Clement Warrie President, Uyo Senatorial District Media Professionals Forum (USDMPF) in the interest of peaceful, credible and inclusive democratic processes, stressing that political competition should be anchored on issues, facts and respect for human dignity.
According to the USDMPF, allegations involving public institutions and the integrity of individuals should be supported by verifiable evidence and handled responsibly, rather than through speculation, insinuation or rhetoric capable of unnecessarily heightening political tensions.
Focus Campaign on Issues
The Forum said the allegations directed at Governor Umo Eno and his administration should be examined against the administration’s record and actions since assuming office.
It particularly pointed to what it described as the administration’s commitment to continuity and inclusive governance, noting that more than 80 per cent of cabinet members who served under former Governor Udom Emmanuel were retained by Governor Eno. It also noted that several aides and associates of the previous administration have continued to serve under the present government.
The USDMPF said the development demonstrates that governance can transcend personal and partisan considerations when the broader interest of the people is placed above political differences.
Rather than being presented as a weakness, the Forum argued, such continuity should be recognised as evidence of an administration willing to preserve useful experience and maintain stability in governance.
The media body stressed that peace goes beyond the mere absence of violence, describing it as a product of dialogue, tolerance, inclusion and mutual respect.
It therefore urged Senator Udoedehe and other political actors to avoid personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations and language capable of creating division or eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.
The Forum also called on candidates and political parties to focus their campaigns on policies, programmes and the genuine needs of the people, while respecting the rule of law and the independence of public institutions.
It encouraged political actors to engage in constructive debates that would allow citizens to properly assess competing ideas and make informed choices at the appropriate time.
According to the USDMPF, Akwa Ibom needs a political environment where disagreements can be expressed without bitterness and where political competition is driven by ideas rather than misinformation, propaganda or attempts to rewrite the state’s development history.
The Forum challenged Senator Udoedehe and other opposition figures to engage directly with the state’s development record and present credible alternatives to the people.
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It cited the Victor Attah International Airport terminal as one of the projects deserving objective assessment, noting that the senator was recently seen at the facility taking photographs and interacting with supporters.
The Forum further invited him to examine ongoing developments at Arise Park Resort, the International Hospital, the Nsit Atai–Okobo–Oron Road, the previously abandoned 200-bed Ibom International Hotel and the 5,000-capacity Uyo International Conference Centre.
It also urged political actors to take advantage of the ongoing 39-project commissioning activities marking Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary to assess the projects objectively and determine their impact on the people.
Rather than simply dismissing government projects, the Forum said candidates should explain what they would do differently, how they would improve existing programmes and what practical alternatives they are offering the electorate.
The USDMPF maintained that political discourse should centre on the quality, sustainability and impact of government policies and projects in critical areas including infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, aviation, agriculture and public services.
“Political competition should not become an excuse for personal attacks or deliberate distortion of facts,” the Forum stressed, urging all political actors to remember that the ultimate responsibility of leadership is to serve the people.
The Forum called on political parties, candidates, supporters, media practitioners, civil society organisations and citizens to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion and respect for human dignity throughout the political season.
It said those aspiring to lead Akwa Ibom must conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the people whose mandate they seek.
The USDMPF therefore appealed to all sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom to put the collective interest of the state above personal and partisan considerations.
The state deserves a campaign season defined by decency, dignity, credible alternatives and hope—not bitterness, division and inflammatory rhetoric
