AKSEPWMA Resource Persons Forum Refutes False Publication, Pledges Support For Gov. Eno


Posted by Ubong ASSAM Jnr., Eket


Disheartened by the spread of false claims in the media by an anonymous group identifying as Sub-Contractors for Sweeping and Evacuation, the Resource Persons Forum of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) has stepped forward to dispel these unfounded allegations. The group however, reiterated their maximum support for Governor Umo Eno and his ARISE Agenda.

In a press statement issued yesterday and endorsed by Pastor Robert Bob; Chairman,
Chief Basyl Obo-Ayama; Secretary
and Mr. Edikan Udott; PRO, the Resource Persons Forum emphasized their role as the recognized interface between the Agency and its workers, employed in accordance with the Akwa Ibom Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency Law. They distanced themselves from the false claims made in the publication, particularly regarding the employment and dismissal of workers, labeling such assertions as false and misleading.

The Forum reaffirmed their commitment to working with AKSEPWMA to uphold Akwa Ibom's reputation as Nigeria's cleanest state and to support the ARISE Agenda of Governor Eno for environmental sustainability.

The official statement reads in part: "The attention of the Resource Persons Forum of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) has been drawn to an open letter by certain individuals under the auspices of Forum of Sub-Contractors for Sweeping and Evacuation to our dear Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno published in some national dailies specifically The Guardian and Vanguard Newspapers of March 20, 2024 respectively.

"Ordinarily, we would have overlooked this piece of falsehood and cheap propaganda from these paid agents of destabilization to malign the integrity of the performing Chairman of the Agency, Obong Prince Akpan Ikim and the entire Board Members. But for the purpose of clarification and to guide the public, we wish to state categorically that:

"Whereas, as Resource Persons, we were employed by the Agency pursuant to the extant law of the Akwa Ibom Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency Law Cap 47 of 2000.

"Whereas, we are the only known and recognized Resource Persons that interface between the Agency and our workers.

"Whereas, as contained in our various letters of appointment, the date of appointment and termination were clearly stated in our appointment letters which had since elapsed.

"Whereas, the claims of employing and sacking 5,000 road sweepers and evacuators by the Agency is totally false and shows a gross ignorance on the part of these peddlers of falsehood.

"Whereas, a critical analysis of the publication reveals a deliberate and unsuccessful attempt to weave falsehood and emotions to attract public sympathy, cause disaffection and embarrass the state government.

"Whereas, the signatories to the ill-motivated publication from our records do not exist at any level of the Forum and therefore, such publication should be totally disregarded.

"Whereas, we call on our workers to exercise patience as the Agency has finalized preparations to appoint Resource Persons for resumption of normal activities.

"Whereas, the leadership and members of this Forum completely disassociate themselves from the said publication and call on relevant agencies of government to investigate the source and sponsors of this blackmail and bring the perpetrators out to face the consequences of their ill-motivated actions.

"Whereas, we restate our commitment to work with the Agency toward sustaining the state's record as the cleanest state in Nigeria and achieving the ARISE Agenda in respect to environmental sustainability in the state.

"Whereas, we commend our dear Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for his leadership style that has redefined governance in the state. The ongoing infrastructural and other strategic sectoral development across the state have given a new lease of life to Akwa Ibom people.

"Whereas, we pledge our unalloyed loyalty to the Governor and reassure him of our commitment to support all his laudable programmes for the benefits of our people.

"Whereas, we pass a vote of confidence on the Chairman of the Agency, Obong Prince Akpan Ikim and his team for their effort to sustain the tempo of keeping our environment clean."