“Patriotism is loyalty to the country, not blind allegiance to leaders. Support them if they serve the nation; oppose them when they fail. Always speak the truth, anything less is unpatriotic”. –Theodore Roosevelt
Last week, we got a hint on Attempted Murder allegation involving the first son of the governor of Akwa Ibom, my State, His Excellency, Pastor (Dr.) Umo Eno. At first, anyone would waive it as mere rumour aimed at tarnishing the First Family’s image.
But, as Writers/Publishers who believe in watching the society for public good, we picked interest in investigating the matter.
First, we sought to know the facts of the issue; how it happened, the alleged victim, the surrounding circumstances and of course, where the alleged attack happened.
In the course of our investigation, we learned that the matter was reported to the police. A Medical Report issued from the Police Hospital was duly signed by a Medical Doctor and endorsed by the Anti Robbery Section of the State Criminal Investigative Bureau, Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
We visited the State Police Headquarters, Ikot AkpanAbia for confirmation of which was obtained.
To get more facts as to the claims made by the alleged victim, we visited the Hotel on General Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo where the first alleged attack on the bolt driver occured. We spoke to some staff members of the hospitality outfit who confirmed the occurrence of the incident within their vicinity.
We saw the photographs of the bruised Bolt driver and also watched the video of the second attack which according to the victim’s sworn affidavit, happened at the residents of the governor at A-line, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.
Armed with all these pieces of evidence which also included but not limited to court and police documents, we did the first part of the story. In order to hear from the alleged attacker for the purpose of balanced reportage, we made efforts via telephone calls and message to him. But our efforts were abortive as he neither responded to our calls or messages.
As the story was published on Saturday, those who pretended to love the governor more than anyone else started referring to the story as fake, concocted, blackmail as well as false alarm by the bolt driver.
Some people questioned why the name of the governor was used in the story. These set of people never considered the fate and safety of the poor bolt driver whose only offense was leaving his young family at midnight to respond to a call to deliver service to a client.
Some so-called leaders and members of Civil Society Organizations even turned their platforms into a court, adjudicating on a matter they have not been well briefed…all in a bid to appease some politicians on their platforms.
But I thank God for the majority of Akwa Ibom people who stood up to condemn the attack on the bolt driver, reasoning that such attitude was alien to the people of the state. The fact that the bolt driver, Mr. Michael Chiedozie Ekwuruke is a non-indigene, is one reason advanced by many to buttress the point that violent behavior must not be ascribed to the people of the state as indigenes of the state are known for their hospitality to people from neighboring states.
These somewhat sycophants even cried louder than the bereaved. They failed to realize that our dear governor, who is also an ordained Pastor, does not and can never condone evil and violent acts, irrespective of who is involved. As a preacher of the gospel, it would always be expected of him to crave for justice for the oppressed.
For those who asked why the name of the governor was used; it is pertinent to state here that it was not the name of the governor that was used as the alleged attacker’s name is ENO UMO ENO. Besides, our dear governor, as a public figure, represents his immediate family as well as the entire state…
Having been formally filed in a court of competent jurisdiction, the attempted murder case has been fixed for hearing on December 17, 2024. We shall do well to update the general public on the progress of the case.
My name is Ime Silas.