State authorities reject tabloid reports claiming Governor Umo Eno demolished the office and suspended Helen Eno Obareki.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially dismissed recent local media reports claiming that Governor Umo Eno suspended his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, from her official duties, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
A local tabloid named The Guide published a banner story alleging that the governor locked out the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and demolished the government house building where the office is located.
In response, the state administration issued a strong rebuttal denying all allegations, labeling the publication as a complete fabrication, and demanding immediate retractions from the responsible media outlets.
Official Response From Information Commissioner
Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the Commissioner for Information, released a formal statement in Uyo describing the newspaper report as false, misleading, and a wild fabrication originating from a contrived imagination.
Umanah stated that the local publication crossed ethical journalism boundaries and that the story should be consigned directly to a trash bin for lacking credibility and factual merit.
The government challenged the newspaper to produce any official suspension letter or tangible evidence to substantiate claims that were published with prominent banner headlines.
Clarification On Government House Renovations
Addressing the physical state of the facility, the information commissioner explained that the building housing the Office of the First Lady is currently undergoing standard structural renovation rather than demolition.
Authorities emphasized that Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki remains actively in office as the coordinator, dismissing rumors that she was forcefully locked out of her workspace by the governor.
The government clarified that repair works are underway to improve the official workspace, reiterating that malicious reports intended to mislead the public are completely baseless.
Warning Over Professional Ethics And Legal Action
The Akwa Ibom State Government called upon the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to caution publishers against circulating unverified stories that damage public trust.
Officials stressed that press freedom does not grant a legal license to fabricate stories, warning that further breaches of professional conduct will attract appropriate legal action.
The administration stated it will pursue all lawful remedies to protect public interests and defend the reputations of individuals targeted by false tabloid publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Governor Umo Eno suspend Helen Eno Obareki in Akwa Ibom?
No, the Akwa Ibom State Government officially confirmed that Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki has not been suspended and remains the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady.
Why was the Office of the First Lady building closed in Uyo?
The building was not locked out or demolished as claimed by a local tabloid, but is currently undergoing routine structural renovation work.
What did the Akwa Ibom State Government say about The Guide newspaper?
Commissioner for Information Hon. Aniekan Umanah described the tabloid report as a false fabrication, warning that future violations will lead to legal action.
What role does Helen Eno Obareki hold in Akwa Ibom?
She serves as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in the Akwa Ibom State Government House.
