PDP GROUP ACCUSES APC MEDIA NETWORK OF MISPLACED AGGRESSION OVER GOVERNOR ENO CRITICISM

The PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPA-J) has condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) Media Network for attacking a citizen who reminded Governor Umo Eno of his campaign promise to be a servant leader.

In a statement, Dr. Tom Fred Fish, Chairman of PAPA-J, expressed disappointment over the APC group’s response to Mr. Michael Bush, who had recalled the Governor’s own words about servant leadership. The statement was also signed by Mr. Saviour Uko, Secretary of the group.

Fish described the APC Media Network’s reaction as both laughable and tragic, noting that Bush merely referenced the Governor’s publicly declared commitment to servant leadership made during his 2022 campaign.

According to Fish, Governor Eno had promised during his campaign kick-off on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, in Uyo to provide service instead of rulership to sustain peace, security, and development for the state if elected in 2023. The statement referenced a report by Joe Effiong published in The Sun Newspaper entitled “A’Ibom needs a servant leader not ruler.”

Fish questioned the logic of the APC group’s position, asking, “When did reminding a leader of his own words become an ‘attack’? When did holding leadership accountable to its promises become disrespect?”

The PAPA-J chairman highlighted the contrast between the Governor’s campaign assurances and recent reported remarks where the Governor allegedly lambasted Akwa Ibom people with comments including, “Am I your receptionist? Who are you that I should even pick up your phone? It’s even an insult to be saying that to a governor, that I’m not picking your calls.”

Fish argued that this contrast raises legitimate public concern, stating that Bush’s reminder of the earlier pledge to serve rather than rule is not an attack but is ingenious, responsible, and entirely within democratic engagement bounds.

The group characterized the APC Media Network’s reaction as revealing a troubling intolerance for accountability, noting they resorted to personal attacks instead of engaging the substance of the matter. Fish described them as jobless busybodies who function as professional sycophants.

Fish advised members of the APC Media Network to channel their energy into learning useful skills to become productive citizens, stating that Akwa Ibom needs builders, thinkers, and innovators, not political errand boys.

PAPA-J saluted Mr. Michael Bush for his bravery and steadfastness, noting it takes uncommon resolve to insist that campaign promises align with governing conduct.

Fish urged the APC Media Network to abandon intimidation tactics and adopt issue-based debate, emphasizing that public office holders must remain accountable to their words and citizens must never be bullied for recalling them.

The statement concluded that Akwa Ibom deserves servant leadership, not hostility toward the people leaders swore to serve.