The Ekid Peoples Union, a socio-cultural group, has described as uncharitable and unfounded the recent criticisms by the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area, Professor Effiong Bassey Archianga, against the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State.

In a recent interview, the monarch labeled Udom Emmanuel as the worst governor the state has ever had, accusing him of neglecting the Ibeno community throughout his eight-year tenure.

Reacting in a press statement made available over the weekend in Uyo, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, President General of the Ekid Peoples Union, expressed deep concern over the monarch?s use of his exalted position to spread what he called malicious and baseless allegations against the former governor.

Dr. Udonsak stated, ?Professor Archianga?s claims are a deliberate attempt to distort history and destabilize the peace that Governor Udom Emmanuel worked tirelessly to build and protect. It is puzzling what could motivate such vitriol against a former governor who completed his tenure peacefully and handed over smoothly to his successor, enabling the continuation of the ARISE Agenda across the state.?

He added that the monarch?s statements were destructive rather than constructive and contradicted the well-documented achievements of Udom Emmanuel?s administration.

?For example, before Governor Emmanuel?s administration, no road had been constructed in Ibeno. He commissioned a 19.5km dual carriage road linking Ibeno to Eket Local Government Area, opening the region for commerce and development,? Dr. Udonsak pointed out.

He refuted the monarch?s claim that no Ibeno indigene served as commissioner under Emmanuel?s government, noting that Mr. Ekpenyong Enyinna and Chief Okpolupm Etteh both held commissioner positions during that tenure.

?These are not the marks of a ?worst governor? but of one committed to equitable development and fairness,? he said. ?Contrary to the monarch?s harsh rhetoric, Udom Emmanuel?s administration practiced inclusive governance, ensuring that every local government, including Ibeno, benefited from road projects and infrastructure development.?

Dr. Udonsak highlighted additional achievements, saying, ?Governor Emmanuel did not only build roads and bridges, he invested in people. Twelve general hospitals were renovated and equipped, the Itam Multispecialty Hospital was revitalized, and civil servants consistently received their salaries on time. Although some pension arrears remained unsettled, pensions were never owed.?

He described labeling such a leader as ?the worst governor? as either a product of ?age-related forgetfulness? or ?a heart hardened by greed and fear of peace.?

?History will remember Governor Udom Emmanuel as one of Akwa Ibom?s best governors?one who left the state better than he met it, with legacies that outshine any insult,? Dr. Udonsak affirmed.

The Ekid Peoples Union leader said, ?While some talk, others work. While detractors throw insults, Udom Emmanuel built roads, industries, and lives. While political opportunists sow division, he fostered peace and unity. Governance is about impact, not noise.

?The impact of his administration is visible in the roads we drive on, the hospitals saving lives, the jobs sustaining families, and the peace binding communities.?

?Let those who thrive on conflict find another platform. Akwa Ibom has moved beyond bitterness and division; it is progressing on the strong foundation laid by leaders like Udom Emmanuel,? he added. (The Guardian)

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