*PRESS RELEASE*

*GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL WAS NOT SUMMONED AT THE VILLA*

I have read some news articles circulating within the media space claiming that the Governor of Akwa Ibom state was summoned by President Buhari over billboard issues and alleged Highhandedness against the opposition.

This news item is very petty and pedestrian. In fact that the news is peddled by members of the APC shows their disrespect for the office of the President and its occupant. The presidency of any country is the nation’s top job, with an attendant very busy schedule. It is therefore very infantile to allege that the President of a country like Nigeria will summon a Governor, for the purpose of discussing billboard locations in a state.

The fact of the matter, is that His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Governor, Akwa Ibom State had requested an audience with the President to discuss important issues of the State, and the President had graciously granted the request. The purpose of the visit was strictly based on the above predicate, and had nothing to do with billboards or other such claptraps.

It is our earnest advice that members of the opposition party in Akwa Ibom should to try to separate politics from governance and not bring the exalted office of the President of the Republic into disrepute by pushing ludicrous and vile propaganda.

Signed : Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary / Senior Special Assistant, Media to Governor Udom Emmanuel.