Youths in Akwa Ibom State have been cautioned by Governor Umo Eno to refrain from verbally disparaging the family of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Following a nonviolent demonstration by the Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition at the Government House in Uyo over concerns brought up by a female Akpabio family member, the governor issued the warning.
He exhorted the young people to respect authority figures and support amicable dispute settlement.
The demonstrators had submitted a letter expressing their concerns, which was accepted by the Head of Service, Effiong Essien, on behalf of Governor Eno, according to a statement made Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh.
While accepting that people have the right to voice their thoughts, Governor Eno cautioned that family conflicts should not be turned into public scandals that could damage the reputation of well-respected leaders.
“We avoid getting involved in family issues whose remedies are solely within the purview of privacy and the family level.
Nevertheless, he urged the younger generation to refrain from discrediting the leaders God has chosen for us at all levels or leveling baseless accusations against them.
The governor’s spokesperson emphasized the value of togetherness, decency, and respect for leaders regardless of their party affiliation, pointing out that these qualities are a reflection of Akwa Ibom’s core principles.
“Our leaders, regardless of party affiliation, are our lasting resources, and we must avoid actions that could lower their social status,” he continued.
He further insisted that the Senate President’s position and person bring great pride to the Akwa Ibom people and should be treated with the utmost respect.
The governor advised young people to use conversation and constructive methods to settle disputes while urging moderation, emphasizing that peace and respect for one another continue to be the cornerstones of the state’s growth and development.
