In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information Mr Charles Udoh, the State Government said "traditionally, the comparative advantage of Akwa Ibom State is not in animal husbandry; it is therefore ludicrous and insanely obtuse for Senator Ita Enang to say that the Akwa Ibom state officials are the owners of the cows herded by the the Fulanis in the State. It is deeply incendiary and inflammatory”.
The Presidential aide had while defending the now suspended yet controversial RUGA settlement programme of the federal government on a private radio station in the state, claimed that "cows seen in Akwa Ibom State are owned by big men in the state", and that the owners employ the Fulanis to manage the cows for them. He went on to name serving and former Senators, National and State House of Assembly Members, Chairmen of Councils, retired and serving soldiers, party chairmen, elders and leaders in the state, among others as owners of the cows.
"The comments made on a live radio programme; may, on a cursory look sound like another of his lame political gamesmanship but beyond that, it becomes a matter of grave concern when a man of his standing deliberately makes statements capable of heating up the polity in his home state and causing security dilemma and tension.
The state information boss wondered why such a 'vile assertion' should come on the heels of the attack on innocent and defenseless farmers in Mkpat Enin Local Government by gun wielding herdsmen; which left one person dead and several others injured.
Mr Udoh said the action of Senator Enang was fast becoming a pastime, given his "penchant for notoriously launching nauseating attacks on his people in a brazenly desperate attempt to cling selfishly to political relevance."
The statement maintained that "The world is aware of the alarming increase of herdsmen -orchestrated attacks on innocent people which is spreading like wild fire across the country.
"The Government and people of Akwa Ibom State remain undaunted in it’s avowed commitment to ensure maximum security of lives and property in the state. No amount of blackmail will scuttle the peace and prosperity the state has enjoyed in the last four years."
"As a State known for its hospitality and love for visitors, we encourage every law abiding Nigerian to come and live in our State; but they must be law abiding and not engage in acts capable of disrupting the peace and security we enjoy in the State” the statement concluded.
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