By Nduese Essien
I have been observing with keen interest, the latest drama in the long-standing tradition of sensational media trials, where self-proclaimed crusaders embark on arranged campaigns, luring unsuspecting persons into what ultimately amounts to an elaborate extortion scheme.
A notable figure in this game is Mr. Fejiro Oliver, whose so-called “anti-corruption” enterprise is based in the United States but curiously set up an African office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on February 3, 2025. I am tempted to say that his sudden affection for Akwa Ibom is remarkable.
This is not Mr. Oliver’s first job, and I don’t think it will be his last because last year, he tested the waters with former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Whether that endeavour yielded financial windfalls or regrets remains his secret. However, the pattern is clear: oil-rich states are prime hunting grounds. His latest target is former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The most striking aspect of this unfolding drama is that when Mr. Oliver first made his allegations; he had no tangible evidence against his supposed target. Yet, he proceeded with the familiar strategy of media trial. On January 8, 2025, he boldly declared that he would submit a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Deacon Udom Emmanuel by the following Monday. He further alleged that the former governor was in a state of panic and had dispatched an advance team to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to block the petition.
This begs the question: Since when has the IGP become the gatekeeper for petition submissions to the EFCC? Has the anti-graft agency suddenly imposed a “No Entry for Petitioners” policy that only Mr. Oliver knows about? Perhaps he expected a grand reception, complete with a brass band and red carpet for his submission, and, when that failed to happen, resorted to crying foul.
Adding intrigue to the saga, he needlessly dragged my name—Hon. Nduese Essien—into the fray, alleging that I was “hired” to appear on Arise News or Channels Television to defend Udom Emmanuel. It was an interesting claim, considering I had no prior knowledge of or involvement in the absurd drama.
With all the noise surrounding the anticipated petition, one would have expected swift action. Instead, despite the media frenzy, the grand petition did not surface until January 21, 2025—a full two weeks after the much-publicised announcement. What does this reveal? Simple: Mr Oliver was fishing for evidence. He hoped that certain individuals in Akwa Ibom would supply him with just enough material to write his petition. It appears his gamble paid off, as he eventually cobbled together a petition, and the court of public opinion announced its verdict.
Let me be clear: I have previously criticised Udom Emmanuel, just as I have done with Obong Victor Attah and Chief Godswill Akpabio. My criticisms were never for financial inducement, personal gain, or public appeasement. Rather, they were based on principle. Accountability is fundamental, but it must be pursued through legitimate channels. Justice is not served by reckless declarations of guilt in the media to advance a particular agenda.
This media trial has also drawn in Senator Ita Enang—an experienced legislator and seasoned government figure—who has inexplicably aligned himself with Mr Oliver’s tactics. One would have expected a man of his standing to champion substantive legislative reforms against corruption rather than lending credibility to what increasingly appears to be a manufactured controversy.
Even more absurd is the attempt to rope in Senate President Godswill Akpabio. As the third-ranking political figure in the country, Senator Akpabio is preoccupied with matters of national importance. It is laughable to suggest that he has the time or inclination to entertain a media-driven witch hunt. Furthermore, let us not forget that Senator Akpabio has had a share of scrutiny from anti-graft agencies. If we are truly committed to accountability, it should be applied uniformly, without bias or selectivity.
Additionally, we must reject the ethnic undertones creeping into this issue. Corruption, accountability, and the rule of law transcend ethnic affiliations. Whether one hails from Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, or any other part of the state, the law remains the law. Those purporting to fight corruption must do so with fairness and objectivity, rather than sowing discord along ethnic lines to manipulate public sentiment.
At some point, we must differentiate genuine demands for accountability from opportunistic grandstanding. Public officials are, by default, subject to scrutiny by the EFCC, ICPC, and other anti-graft agencies. If there are legitimate grounds for prosecution, due process will take its course. Until then, let us refrain from fueling baseless media trials. And, above all, I will not allow my name to be co-opted into this circus for the sake of sensationalism.
Akwa Ibom has been experiencing another era of peace and inclusive governance since May 2023, thanks to Governor Umo Eno. The days of fierce disagreement and bickering between successive governors and opposition parties are gone. Today, there is a remarkable sense of harmony, which has allowed stakeholders across party lines to work together towards a common goal.
This newfound unity is a welcome departure from the past, where political differences often hindered the development of the state. The efforts of the current government to foster inclusivity and cooperation have created a conducive environment for growth and development.
As Akwa Ibom continues on this path, it’s clear that it is poised for a bright and prosperous future, where witch-hunting, tribal sentiments, speculations, and pull-down syndrome have no place.
Chief Nduese Essien
Attah of Eket, Adaidaha Ke Efik Ebrutu, and Onwa Ne’etirora of Amanse.
CAVEAT: Views expressed in this article are those of the author, Nduese Essien, and do not in any way relate to those of Converseer, and or its staff.
