By Ofonime Honesty
The Akwa Ibom State Government has issued an appeal for respect towards the office of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and all leaders, following a protest by a youth group over a dispute within the Akpabio family.
The media space, especially social media, has been awash with series allegations thrown by a member of the Akpabio family against the President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The issue led to a protest, which took place on Tuesday, October 21. It saw members of the ‘Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition’ march to the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.
The group presented a letter detailing their grievances, which was received by the Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, on behalf of Governor Umo Eno.
In an official response, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, acknowledged the protest but firmly stated the government’s position of non-interference in private family affairs.
The government’s core message, however, was a broader caution to the youth against publicly attacking state and national leaders.
“We appeal to our younger generation not to destroy the leaders God has raised for us at all levels by besmirching their character, attacking their integrity, and making wild and oftentimes unfounded allegations against them,” Udoh stated.
The statement emphasized that leaders are “enduring assets” whose standing in society must be preserved. It called for a return to civility, warning that “the wounds of vituperative outbursts hurled at our leaders may heal, but the scars may remain ever fresh.”
Crucially, the government directly addressed the status of former Governor Akpabio and his current office.
“The Office and Person of the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria bring great and immense pride to the people of Akwa Ibom State and should, therefore, be accorded the highest respect possible,” the statement reiterated.
The statement concluded by linking the need for respectful discourse to the preservation of the state’s renowned peace, which it identified as the bedrock for development and tourism, urging “restraint and better ways of resolving conflicts at all levels.”
