In a swift response to a viral social media report, the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently denied any involvement in secretly celebrating Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s recent claims regarding President Bola Tinubu’s alleged fake certificate. The party also clarified that Governor Umo Éno of Akwa Ibom State has no connection to such celebrations.
A statement released on Wednesday by Borono Bassey, the Publicity Secretary of the Akwa Ibom PDP, categorically labeled the report as “fake news” and urged well-meaning Nigerians to disregard this “ill-intentioned attempt” to involve the governor and the party in a matter currently under legal scrutiny.
The statement reads in part, “The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State was drawn earlier today, to an obviously fake news item being circulated on social media alleging that our party and the governor of Akwa Ibom State and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Pastor Umo Eno, were secretly celebrating Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s efforts in exposing President Tinubu’s alleged fake certificate.”
The party emphasized that the matter in question is currently before the courts and is thus “sub judice.” As a result, neither Governor Umo Éno nor the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the PDP is in a position to comment on it.
The statement further clarified Governor Umo Éno’s respect for the law, President Bola Tinubu, the PDP, and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, highlighting that the governor is not a party in the ongoing legal proceedings. Consequently, he will await the judgment of the court and respond accordingly with the customary phrase, “As the court pleases.”
This development underscores the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State PDP to maintaining a lawful and respectful approach to political matters, particularly those subject to judicial review.