Niger Delta
A/Ibom Denies Buying 1, 000 Cars For 2015
Akwa Ibom Government
on Saturday denied media reports that it bought 1000 Toyota Corolla cars, worth N5 billion, for People’s Democratic Party (PDP) delegates ahead of the 2015 elections.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Aniekan Umanah, told newsmen in Uyo that the report was false and baseless.
According to him, the allegation is part of desperate moves and propaganda by the opposition to score cheap political points.
“The report is a figment of the reporters and their sponsors’ imagination, as Akpabio’s administration has not bought any vehicle to mobilise support for anybody in the 2015 general elections.
“I challenge any person or group, who claim to have evidence or document to buttress the story, to publish it,’’ he said.
Umanah said that election should not be about violence and incitement, but must be based on issues that would attrcat people’s support.
The commissioner urged those seeking for public offices to test their acceptance in a free and fair election, and stop using the media to blackmail the government.
He said that the state was calm and peaceful, and described allegation that it had security challenges as mere fabrication.
Umanah assured that the state government would continue to support security agencies to secure the lives and property of citizens.
The commissioner reminded journalists to always be truthful, objective and fair in their reportage, to avoid misinforming the public.
Umanah said, “I must use this opportunity to caution the media particularly those who may not have facts on an issue not to inflame the society by publishing fake reports.”As we are moving toward elections, it is normal for people to show desperation, which is also normal in a democratic society.”