By Isaac Job, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State government has denies allegations that it has withdrawn security personnel around the former governor of the state, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

Last weekend, social media was awash with reactions arising from a Premium Times report that security personnel were withdrawn from ex-governor Udom Emmanuel on the order of Pastor Umo Eno.

This generated tension as supporters of the former governor were unhappy and criticised such action.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, while responding to the allegations, dismissed them as false and misleading reports.

Umanah, while fielding questions from journalists, described the allegations as false and baseless fabrication intended to mislead the public.

According to the commissioner, deployment, reassignment, or withdrawal of police officers is the responsibility of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Commissioner of Police in each state, and not the duty of any state governor.

“I can tell you on good authority that the governor did not issue any directive to withdraw security operatives from the immediate past governor,” he said.

Umanah exonerated Pastor Umo Eno, noting that all former governors of the state are entitled to security and are enjoying their security details as approved by law.

He said former Udom Emmanuel has not laid such a complaint to ascertain the truth of the report.

“To the best of our knowledge, there has been no complaint or report from any former governor or their media aides about the withdrawal of security personnel. The rumour exists only in the imagination of those peddling it,” he said.

The commissioner urged members of the public to disregard the baseless propaganda, reaffirming that the peace-loving Governor Umo Eno remains focused on promoting peace, unity, and good governance across the state.

“Eno will continue to ensure that all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, enjoy the full protection and benefits of the law,” he said.