By Cletus Asuquo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has denied claims that Governor Umo Eno is sponsoring a 100-member delegation to the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN) Convention in Washington, D.C., United States.
The clarification followed a viral video by a former presidential aide and ex-NDDC administrator, Prof. Offiong Akwa, in which he accused the state government of wasteful spending and alleged that Governor Eno was leading a large entourage to the United States at public expense.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, the government described the allegations as “false, misleading, and a calculated attempt to discredit the administration.”
“The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, will not be attending the AKISAN Convention personally due to pressing state duties. Contrary to the false claims being circulated, only a five-member delegation has been approved to represent the state at the convention,” the statement read.
Umanah said the decision to send a lean delegation reflects the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and responsible governance. He further described Prof. Akwa’s video as “a distasteful diatribe, riddled with misinformation, name-calling, and baseless accusations.”
The government also debunked claims that it was involved with a supposed “Wellness Health Insurance Partnership Organisation,” calling the body fictitious and entirely unconnected to the state. It reaffirmed that the only recognized health insurance scheme backed by law in the state is the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme, which has enrolled over 122,000 beneficiaries since inception.
On the state’s development agenda, the Information Commissioner reiterated the government’s focus on the ARISE Agenda, a strategic blueprint anchored on five core pillars and 17 focal areas, including education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
He cited projects such as the 5,000-capacity International Convention Centre, the 200-bed Ibom Specialist Hospital upgrades, and the 70-hectare ARISE Resort as evidence of the administration’s commitment to sustainable development.
Umanah also noted that Governor Eno had previously encouraged AKISAN to consider hosting future conventions in Uyo to promote cultural exchange, boost the local economy, and strengthen diaspora ties.
“It is unfortunate that someone who has benefitted from government patronage in the past would resort to spreading falsehoods for political gain,” the statement added.
The state government urged the public to disregard what it described as “deliberate misinformation,” affirming that Governor Eno remains committed to transparent, data-driven, and people-focused governance.
