Akwa Ibom Govt Threatens Legal Action Against Newspaper Over Alleged False Report
The Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed a report by The Guide Newspaper alleging that Governor Umo Eno suspended his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and locked her out of the office building.
The government described the report as false and misleading, insisting that Mrs. Obareki remains in her position as Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the government explained that the building housing the office is currently undergoing renovation, dismissing the newspaper’s claim as an unfounded allegation.
The state government challenged The Guide Newspaper to produce the alleged suspension letter or any verifiable evidence to support its report.
It further accused the newspaper of crossing the boundaries of professional journalism, warning that press freedom should not be used as an excuse to publish fabricated stories or mislead the public.
According to the government, the publication represents a serious breach of the standards expected of a responsible media organisation.
The government warned that it would no longer remain silent in the face of what it described as false publications against the state and cautioned the newspaper to desist from further reports of that nature.
It also threatened to pursue appropriate legal action if the newspaper continues to publish what it considers false information, adding that it would use all lawful means to protect its interests and the reputations of the individuals concerned.
Additionally, the government called on the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to caution The Guide Newspaper against publishing reports capable of misleading the public.
It urged the newspaper to retract the report, correct the record and refrain from further publications that misrepresent the state administration.
The statement emphasised that credibility remains the foundation of journalism, noting that media organisations must prioritise facts, fairness and professional responsibility over sensationalism.
The Akwa Ibom State Government reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and the public’s right to accurate information, while stressing that such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and with respect for truth and the rights of others.
