By Abasiofiok Inyang
As against the recent media report that the National Assembly member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Aniekan Umanah destroyed the constituency water project he constructed for constituents, following the outcome of February 25 presidential and national assembly election, The Crest could authoritatively report that such destruction never take place.
Our correspondent and other journalists in the State who were conducted round the water facilities located at Urua Inyang Ika, Ika Local Government Area, Edem Anwa, Afaha Obong, and Mkpokporo street, Abak community, Abak Local Government Area respectively, report that the solar powered water facilities are all intact and working with residents still enjoying the benevolence of their representative.
Youth for Change Initiative seeks partnership with stakeholders to avert electoral violence
Speaking while conducting newsmen round the water facilities, chief of staff to Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Mr Ekerette Umanah, said that the media report was the handiwork of few who failed to appreciate the good representation of the Member of Parliament who has done well in terms of bills presentation, moving of motions, various empowerment programs, and providing employment opportunities for the constituents.
Mr Ekerette, noted with dismay that rather than appreciate the contributions of Hon. Umanah to the development of constituency, few people out of selfish political interest, went to social and traditional media to an imaginary scenario and allegation of never took place.
While urging members of the public to disregard the report, he stressed that “the National Assembly member will continue to deliver on his mandate and serve his constituents even after leaving office”.
Also speaking, the youth leader of Edem Anwa village, Mr Paul Cletus said that there is no iota of truth that the lawmaker or anyone tampered with the water facility as the water was still running which he switched it on for the journalists to have a drink.
On his part, the man in charge of the water facility located at Mkpokporo street, Abak, who gave his name simply as Mkpokporo, who was on hand at the site of water facility, said that the facility was never destroyed or touched as being reported in the media. He, however, said that the facility had a switch problem which was later fixed and the water put on for the journalists to have a drink. He expressed shock on the allegation that the lawmaker destroyed the water facility which he admitted that he heard over the radio.
It would be recalled that the news of the destruction of the water facilities by the lawmaker was reported in both social and traditional media. The report, is however, been proved to be false and misleading.
