Ememobong Calls for Fair Process in Udom Emmanuel’s Corruption Probe
The immediate past Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State, Ini Ememobong, has raised concerns over what he described as the ‘media trial’ of former Governor Udom Emmanuel. This comes after a petition was submitted by the group Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC), accusing Emmanuel of embezzling up to N700 billion.
Akwa Ibom Ex-Information Commissioner Slams Media Coverage of Udom Emmanuel’s Case
In a statement released on Wednesday in Uyo, Ememobong criticized the social media reactions to the petition, suggesting that they amount to prejudgement and an unjust persecution of the former governor. He argued that such media-driven narratives undermine the legitimate calls for accountability by sidestepping legal procedures and the principles of fair hearing.
According to Ememobong, genuine demands for accountability should be rooted in the established legal framework, ensuring that accused individuals are given a fair trial. He emphasized that anti-graft agencies must be allowed to operate without undue external interference.
Ememobong Calls for Fair Process in Udom Emmanuel’s Corruption Probe
“The current media-driven approach risks undermining these principles, turning genuine calls for accountability into campaigns of persecution,” Ememobong said. “It is crucial to allow investigative bodies to conduct their work without undue external pressures or prejudgements.”
He went on to warn that the petitioners’ passion for the case could blind them to the truth. Drawing on historical examples, Ememobong pointed out that when anger drives prosecution, it often leads to persecution, citing the case of former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, who was wrongfully imprisoned on corruption charges but later exonerated.
Ex-Commissioner Ememobong Warns Against Media Bias in Udom Emmanuel’s Case
Ememobong concluded by reiterating the importance of upholding the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He posed a critical question to the petitioners: “If Mr. Udom Emmanuel is exonerated of these accusations, how will you remedy the harm done to his reputation and character?”
The former Commissioner’s statement calls for a more measured and lawful approach to addressing corruption allegations, one that ensures fairness and justice for all parties involved.
