Media Aide to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Venerable Richard Peters, has said that despite what he described as coordinated media attacks against Governor Umo Eno in recent times, the governor continues to enjoy growing public acceptance.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, Peters claimed that the recent wave of criticism of the governor across social media, electronic and print media was neither accidental nor difficult to understand. He alleged that the attacks were being sponsored by political opponents in a bid to undermine the governor’s administration ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“As the 2027 election gradually draws near, the political atmosphere in Akwa Ibom State is becoming increasingly charged, with the remnants of the factional opposition engaging in media warfare rather than constructive criticism,” he wrote.
According to Peters, the alleged campaign goes beyond legitimate opposition politics and is aimed at weakening public confidence in the governor instead of presenting alternative policies to the electorate.
“Rather than presenting superior ideas, alternative policies or a compelling vision capable of convincing the electorate, some elements of the opposition appear to have settled for a coordinated media attack against Governor Umo Eno, using every available platform,” he stated.
He argued that Governor Eno’s growing acceptance across political, religious and social groups had unsettled some political interests, adding that the administration’s performance continued to attract support beyond party lines.
Peters further alleged that the attacks had shifted from criticism of government policies to personal attacks on the governor.
“However, dragging families into political disputes, spreading unverified allegations and deliberately maligning personal reputations are neither democratic virtues nor legitimate opposition politics,” he said.
Defending the administration’s performance, Peters highlighted achievements in infrastructure development, housing, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth empowerment, payment of pensions and gratuities, as well as the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.
He maintained that these projects had delivered measurable benefits to residents across the state and insisted that “these are concrete achievements that cannot simply be erased through coordinated social media campaigns or sensational headlines.”
The governor’s aide also warned that persistent negative portrayals of Akwa Ibom could damage the state’s image among investors, development partners and tourists.
“It is fundamentally about protecting the integrity, reputation and developmental aspirations of Akwa Ibom State. Political competition should never become an excuse for tarnishing the image of the very state whose progress every stakeholder claims to desire,” he added.
Peters expressed confidence that Governor Umo Eno would secure re-election in 2027, saying the people of Akwa Ibom State were capable of distinguishing between political propaganda and observable reality.
