By Abbanobi-Eku Onyeka
The Government and people of Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have condemned what they described as a campaign of calumny, blackmail and character assassination against the wife of the Senate President, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, over her recent visit to the Senate Chamber.
The council, in a communiqué issued last Friday at its headquarters in Afaha Ikot Ebak and signed by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Elder Ntiedo Usoro, said the visit on Saturday, September 5, had been deliberately misrepresented on social media.
The council said the visit was legitimate and well-intentioned, stressing that all necessary protocols and security arrangements were duly observed.
According to the communiqué, Dr. Unoma Akpabio was accompanied by personnel responsible for technical services and verification relating to the facilities she inspected.
It therefore dismissed allegations attributing sinister, spiritual or criminal motives to the visit as false, misleading and unfounded.
The council described Dr. Unoma Akpabio as a devout Catholic and God-fearing woman whose public conduct, it said, had consistently reflected motherhood, compassion, service and exemplary character.
It further stated that the visit was known to the Senate President and took place when plenary was not in session, with security personnel responsible for the protection of the Senate Chamber present.
Essien Udim LGA also raised concerns over the alleged use of artificial intelligence and manipulated materials to create misleading impressions about the visit, urging Nigerians to verify information before sharing it on social media.
