By ISAIAH EKA

Sen. Ita Enang has urged the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to respond to the corruption allegations laid against him instead looking for who to blame.

Enang said in a statement in Uyo on Thursday that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, should not be dragged into the ongoing matter.

It would be recalled that a group, Network Against Corruption And Trafficking, recently petitioned the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, accusing the former governor of corruption.

Enang said that every leader should be prepared to give account of their stewardship either to the people or to God.

Enang, a former Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, wondered why Emmanuel would hesitate to give account of his eight years of service as Akwa Ibom governor.

The former senator representing Akwa Ibom North East, said that the office of the senate president was an esteemed one, which should not be dragged into petty politics.

He said that it was wrong to deflect from the main subject contained in the petition, and that pointing fingers at notable personalities was diversionary.

“There is nothing to link the senate president or his office and associates with the said petition,” he said.

Enang urged Emmanuel to concentrate on his preparation to give answers to the issues raised in the petition.

He urged all Akwa Ibom people to unite and support Akpabio to deliver his duties as the senate president instead of unnecessary distractions.

“Let’s sink our differences and support the senate president, he is one of our own,” he said.

In a related development, the immediate past Information Commissioner in Akwa Ibom, Ini Ememobong has described the petition against Emmanuel as baseless.

He accused the petitioners of indulging in smear campaign and vitriolic media trial against the former governor.

Ememmobong said that while serving as governor, Emmanuel submitted himself to public scrutiny during media appearances and engagements with Akwa Ibom people. (NAN)