A former minister and respected statesman, Chief Nduese Essien, has strongly criticized what he describes as a calculated media campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
In a press interaction on the controversy, Chief Essien denounced the activities of self-proclaimed anti-corruption crusaders who, according to him, use sensational media trials to advance personal agendas.
He specifically called out Mr. Fejiro Oliver, a US-based activist who recently set up an office in Uyo, accusing him of orchestrating an attempt to blackmail the former governor, into parting with funds.
“Mr. Oliver has a track record of targeting former governors of oil-rich states, using the media to declare them guilty before any real evidence is produced,” Chief Essien said.
“He did the same with former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa last year, and now, he has set his sights on Udom Emmanuel.”
He questioned Oliver’s claims that Emmanuel was in a panic over an impending corruption petition, highlighting inconsistencies in his narrative.
“He (Fejiro)announced on January 8 that he would submit a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by the following Monday, yet the petition did not surface until January 21—two weeks later,” the former House of Representatives member pointed out.
“This delay suggests he was fishing for evidence rather than acting on credible findings.”
Chief Essien also refuted earlier claims by the petitioner that he had been hired to appear on television to defend Udom Emmanuel, calling the allegations baseless.
“I have criticized governors before, including Obong Victor Attah and Chief Godswill Akpabio, and Mr Udom Emmanuel, but I have never done so for financial gain.
“My stance has always been about principles and accountability through legitimate channels, not reckless media trials,” he asserted.
The former minister further expressed concern over Senator Ita Enang’s involvement in the controversy, arguing that as a seasoned lawmaker, he should focus on legislative reforms rather than lending credibility to “a manufactured controversy.” He also dismissed attempts to implicate Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing it as a distraction from real governance matters.
Chief Essien warned against the growing ethnic undertones in the debate, urging Akwa Ibom people to reject divisive narratives. “Accountability should be pursued fairly and without bias. Corruption has no ethnicity, and we must not allow opportunists to use it as a tool for tribal division,” he said.
He commended the current administration of Governor Umo Eno for fostering peace and inclusive governance in Akwa Ibom, marking a departure from the politically charged conflicts of the past.
“The state has moved beyond bickering and political witch-hunts. We should focus on unity and development rather than fueling baseless media trials,” he concluded.
