Gov. Umo Eno.
By Anietie Akpan
The Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council, of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Uduak Ikot, has urged residents of the Local Government Area to remain calm and law-abiding in light of recent developments concerning the arrest and arraignment of Princess Godsown Udoito.
Princess Udoito was arrested and arraigned by officers of the Nigerian Police Force over alleged verbal abuse and the use of derogatory expressions directed at the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, on social media platforms.
The incident subsequently elicited public reactions, including protests by some individuals calling for her release.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Godwin Elijah, the Chairman cautioned residents, sons, and daughters of Esit Eket Local Government Area “against actions capable of disturbing public peace and order, noting that such conduct could undermine the prevailing peace and stability of the Local Government Area and Akwa Ibom State at large”.
In the statement, Hon. Ikot unequivocally condemned “the use of abusive language and unguarded expressions against the governor on all social media platforms”.
She, however, reiterated that while the rights to agitate, protest, and challenge perceived injustice are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “such rights must be exercised responsibly and strictly within the ambit of the law and established legal frameworks”.
Hon. Ikot further assured the Governor of her unwavering cooperation and that of the Esit Eket Local Government Council in the collective effort to sustain peace, stability, and good governance in Akwa Ibom State.
She also appealed to the Nigerian Police Force, the prosecuting authorities, and the Ministry of Justice to exercise discretion and consider granting clemency to Princess Godsown Udoito.
The Chairman reaffirmed the commitment of her administration to “the maintenance of peace and public order, respect for constituted authorities, and the promotion of responsible civic engagement, including the responsible use of social media”.
