The Akwa Ibom state government has denied reports that the immediate past governor, Udom Emmanuel was still in possession of the state’s private jet.
The government made the clarification following criticisms which trailed pictures of Governor Umo Eno on social media boarding Ibom Air along with other passengers.
Critics of the government had alleged that the governor resorted to boarding a passenger plane because his predecessor was in the custody of the government’s jet.
But the senior special assistant to the governor on research and documentation, Essien Ndueso said the government’s jet was not with ex-governor Emmanuel.
Ndueso said that Governor Eno boarded Ibom Air as part of his promises to encourage the state government’s investments to thrive and expand to meet up the demands of the present economic realities in the country.
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He said this was one of the reasons the governor used the state-owned airline, Ibom Air, during his recent trip for official engagements outside the State.
Speaking in a radio interview in Uyo and monitored by our correspondent, the governor lashed out at those making allegations that ex-governor Emmanuel was still keeping the government’s jet.
He said the governor used the opportunity of patronizing Ibom Air in his official capacity as governor of the state to share the experiences of other passengers, and wondered why some people would rather misinterpret that action with unsubstantiated claims.
Ndueso added: “Remember His Excellency Pastor Eno said he is not a governor who sits in his comfort zone in the office to receive reports from the fields, but one who will go out to feel and experience the realities of investments and public utilities funded with public funds.
“Governor Eno did not resort to flying with Ibom Air because the former governor, Udom Emmanuel, was still keeping the governor’s official private jet.
“The allegation is frivolous, a beer parlour gist aimed at tarnishing the image of the former governor and I therefore urge the public to discountenance such allegation, as there is no iota of truth in it.
“Recall that Udom Emmanuel was the one who told everyone to support the governor as the new leader of the state. Others would be coming to Government House every day, or even lodge in the Government House guest house, but the immediate past governor has kept his promise by returning to his private practice, allowing His Excellency the incumbent governor to freely run the business of government.
“Even at the airport, you could see him subjecting himself to thorough checks and other airport procedures, and that is because he wishes to lead by example. Such actions should not be misinterpreted, but seen as actions that make him more connected to his people.”