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The Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed allegations of media repression made by Mr. Mojeed Misikilu, President of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria and Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times. Misikilu had reportedly accused the state of blacklisting Governor Umo Eno and suppressing press freedom—claims the government describes as “false, unfounded, and inconsistent with reality.”

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the government challenged the IPI to present evidence of any journalist arrested, detained, intimidated, or harassed on the orders of Governor Umo Eno or any state official. It also denied ever shutting down or sanctioning any media organisation operating within Akwa Ibom.

According to the government, Governor Eno has maintained a “distinctly media-friendly disposition” since assuming office, earning recognition from the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigeria Guild of Editors, and several media organizations for his openness to the press. The administration noted that no journalist has been detained or prosecuted under his watch, despite occasional critical reports.

The government also refuted claims linking alleged repression to the recent recall of Channels Television correspondent Chris Moffat and camera operator Kufre Ikpe. The statement described their redeployment as a routine administrative exercise common in both public and private organizations, and not an act of intimidation.

Highlighting what it described as its pro-media credentials, the government noted recent interventions, including the donation of 11 vehicles to the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council and the completion of the Council’s auditorium. It added that 356 media and communication professionals currently serve in various government roles—reportedly the highest in any Nigerian state.

The statement criticized Misikilu for issuing what it called “damaging claims without investigation or evidence,” alleging bias against the administration. It called on him to retract the report and issue a public apology, while urging the IPI to distance itself from his comments.

Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, the government urged members of the public to disregard the allegations, stating that they do not reflect the situation in Akwa Ibom.

The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah.