John Akpanudoedehe, a former senator and ex-minister, has indicated that he will not retaliate after Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno made derogatory remarks towards him and other critics of his administration.
Governor Eno previously stated he is 'nobody's receptionist' and is not available to take phone calls. This statement came after Akpanudoedehe posted a Facebook video suggesting the governor should not allow Akwa Ibom to lose the dispute regarding 76 oil wells to the neighboring Cross River State.
In his video, Akpanudoedehe explained that he opted for this public approach because the governor was not responsive to calls from him or others.
Eno, without mentioning names, labeled the former senator and other critics as 'empty barrels.'
Upon reaching out to Akpanudoedehe for his comments, he emphasized that he would avoid stooping to insults.
"There are occasions when one should not react. It is best to let the people of Akwa Ibom be the judges of such encounters," he stated.
Akpanudoedehe noted that he did not hear Eno mention his name, but assuming he was the target, he reiterated that his comments were meant as advice rather than an insult. "I won’t engage in gutter talk with him," he said.
This exchange follows remarks made by Eno on Sunday, March 1, during a church service at the Government House in Uyo, where he took issue with claims of his inaccessibility to the public.
"There are various ways to reach the governor. Stop accusing me of not answering the phone. Am I your receptionist? That kind of accusation is insulting. Who are you to say I do not pick up calls?" Eno asserted.
The governor further criticized unnamed detractors, stating that their discussions are insignificant. "Empty barrels create noise. Look at their lives; they have nothing to show except for noise," he added.
Though Eno did not specify anyone, the contexts of his comments pointed to Akpanudoedehe's recent public statements about the oil wells.
In response, Akpanudoedehe clarified that his earlier remarks were intended to serve as helpful advice, not a personal attack.
"I had anticipated more diplomatic recognition, like, 'Thank you, Senator Udoedehe and other citizens for sharing your insights. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if they were to take even one oil well from the state.' My intentions were never meant to insult, but rather to advise him given my background and experience," he explained.
He went on to label Eno's comments as reflective of the latter’s character and upbringing, emphasizing that such remarks are beneath him.
Furthermore, the Akwa Ibom State Government later stated that Governor Eno was merely joking when he made his remarks against his critics.
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