Oku Ibom to politicians: Desist from campaign of calumny, mudslinging

The Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk has called on politicians aspiring for different offices in the forthcoming general elections to desist from a campaign of calumny and mudslinging.

He warned that those who engage in character assassination should know that there is no gain in such enterprise, adding that “you’ll reap whatever you sow.”

The monarch gave the charge when Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno and his campaign team paid him a consultative visit over his governorship ambition on Wednesday.

Ntenyin Etuk noted that the role of traditional rulers is to ensure peace and bless those who visit the palace, urged Umo Eno to go about his consultations without fear over other contestants, saying that only the will of God will be done at the end of the day.

The Oku Ibom Ibibio, who said that God knew Umo Eno from birth, urged him to take the welfare of youths seriously and govern with the fear of God if he wins the contest.

Related: Oku Ibom Tasks Aspirants On Non-Violent elections

He called on the governorship aspirant to perfect what Udom Emmanuel has done if he wins, adding that the state wants only the best for the job.

On his part, The Chairman of Ifim Ibom Ibibio and the Paramount ruler of Ibiono Ibom LGA, HRM Okuku Ime Udousoro Inyang, said that royal fathers are apolitical as fathers to all.

He, therefore, charged Umo Eno to look up to God, noting that others will also come, “we will listen to all, and the one that is good, we will pray believing God to do the rest.”

Speaking, Pastor Umo Eno said he came to the palace to seek royal blessings.

While thanking the monarchs for upholding peace in their domains, he noted that there is the need to go about the gubernatorial contest peacefully.

He pledged that he will continue to maintain peace in the state, promising that he will not compromise the peace enjoyed in the state.

Pastor Umo Eno told the royal fathers that he will be a listening governor who will take advice from them. “I will respect the traditional institution and also give our traditional rulers their pride of place,” he assured.

While adding that he will equip the palaces of traditional rulers with modern facilities, he called on them not to approach the governorship election on sentiments but should look at the aspirants and know who has the best interest of the state at heart.

Pastor Eno, who denied deducting tithes from the salaries of his staff, challenged anybody with evidence of the allegation to come forth with proof.

Other speakers at the occasion were, Chief Assam Assam, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, Senator Effiong Bob and Hon. Frank Archibong.