UYO – The Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI) has condemned the recent radio interview granted by Arc. Otu Ita Toyo, describing it as a “masterclass in incompetence, cowardice and blatant falsehood.”
In a press statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its International Public Relations Officer, Akparawa (Pastor) Idongesit Ikono, ANIPR, the group said the interview, rather than clarifying issues, had exposed the former official and revealed the “malicious agenda” of his sponsors.
Arc. Otu Ita Toyo, a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Akwa Ibom State, granted the interview on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
According to MMI, two irrefutable facts emerged from his own statements during the interview.
The group said Toyo demonstrated “questionable fitness to hold public office” by attempting to distance himself from a critical state government publication produced under his watch and shifting blame to a subordinate officer.
“A man who cannot accept responsibility for the actions of his office cannot be trusted with the destiny of a people. His conduct today raises serious questions about his fitness for the public offices he once held,” the statement read.
The group also accused Toyo of a “confession driven by animosity” towards former Governor Udom Emmanuel, CON. It noted that Toyo had admitted on record that the alleged change in the location of the Ibom Deep Seaport did not occur during Emmanuel’s administration, yet was still attempting to link the former governor to the matter.
“This contradiction exposes the entire charade. It is now clear that the Oro political merchants behind this campaign are not interested in facts. They appear fixated on a well-funded and orchestrated agenda of hatred, blackmail and the systematic tarnishing of the hard-earned image and legacy of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, CON,” the group stated.
The group also challenged Toyo and his sponsors to respond to a claim by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that he had held 26 meetings with the Oro Think Tank over the choice of a governor, which they reportedly rejected on the grounds that the candidate was not considered Oro.
“If this account is accurate, does it not raise legitimate questions about whether some of the circumstances now being presented as marginalisation were, at least in part, the result of decisions made by Oro political actors themselves?” the group queried.
MMI further issued a stern warning to individuals and groups within the Oro community to desist from attacking, insulting, or making provocative statements against Ibibio leaders and the Ibibio people.
“Restraint does not mean surrender, and peace does not require the Ibibio people to remain silent while their leaders, heritage and collective dignity are repeatedly attacked,” the group stated.
The group warned that it would respond “firmly and proportionately” to any further deliberate attacks on Ibibio leaders or the Ibibio people through lawful and evidence-based channels.
“Let it therefore be clearly understood that MMI will respond firmly and proportionately to any further deliberate attacks on Ibibio leaders or the Ibibio people. Such responses will be lawful, organised, evidence-based and pursued through every legitimate channel available to the organisation,” the statement read.
“This is not a threat of violence. It is a declaration that the era of unilateral provocation without consequence is over.”
The group called on responsible leaders within the Oro community to exercise restraint and caution their people against inflammatory rhetoric, urging that political disagreements be addressed through facts, dialogue, and lawful processes.
“MMI remains committed to peace—but peace with dignity, peace with truth and peace with mutual respect. Enough of the attacks. Enough of the distortions. Enough is enough,” Ikono concluded.
