1 week ago
27
UYO – The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (CCSON) has raised alarm over what it describes as a calculated plot by some political actors to destabilize Akwa Ibom State government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition has therefore called on Akwa Ibom politicians across party lines to set aside personal ambitions and work towards the unity and development of the State and Nigeria, adding that the future of the state must not be sacrificed on the altar of premature political scheming.
The decision by the organization which represents 180 human rights groups, NGOs, professional bodies, and community-based organizations across Nigeria, to issue a stern warning against ongoing political tension was reached at its February congress reviewed governance and developments in the country.
Addressing a press conference in Uyo on Monday, CCSON expressed deep concern over the relentless media attacks and campaigns of calumny targeted at Governor Umo Eno and his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
The coalition, which spoke through its National Coordinator, Otuekong Franklyn Isong,
accused certain elements within the political class of engaging in “an unhealthy and fractious climate of politicking” that threatens governance in the state.
“CCSON took cognizance of the prevailing atmosphere of apparent plots by some overly futuristic political gladiators to destabilize the administration of Pastor Umo Eno in Akwa Ibom State as a buildup to 2027 politics.
It regretted that despite its previous warnings, the smear campaigns and unfounded allegations against key political figures in Akwa Ibom have continued unchecked.
“CCSON frowns at, and issues the red flag against, that section of the political class in Akwa Ibom State for piling up unhealthy and fractious climate of politicking in the State towards the 2027 general elections.
“That despite CCSON’s advisory following the outcome of its January 2025 Congress and subsequent Press Conference, sustained campaign of calumny, media attacks and media trials of political leaders of Akwa Ibom State, particularly His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, continue unabated thereby further heating up the State.
“That CCSON restates its earlier position that if these overly futuristic political gladiators and their supporters do not call themselves to order, their inimical activities could ground the course of governance in the State.
“That CCSON reiterates the right of every citizen to hold government and its officials accountable insofar as media trials are avoided and complaints duly directed to appropriate investigative authorities.
“That CCSON urges politicians across party lines to close ranks and work towards the unity, progress and development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria”. The statement presented to the press states.
While reaffirming the right of citizens to hold government accountable, CCSON cautioned against trial by media, urging that any grievances be channeled through appropriate legal and investigative authorities.
“Accountability is essential, but it must not be weaponized to create instability,” the coalition maintained.
English (US) ·