…says citizens won’t be silenced in 2027 debate
By Ime Silas
UYO — A political advocacy group in Akwa Ibom State, the PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPA-J), has fired back at Senator Effiong Bob, accusing him of attempting to intimidate critics of Governor Umo Eno’s administration instead of defending it with facts.
In a press release signed by its Chairman, Dr. Tom FredFish, and Secretary, Mr. Saviour Uko, PAPA-J said Senator Bob’s recent warning against what he called “unwarranted attacks” on the governor amounted to veiled threats meant to suppress democratic scrutiny ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group was reacting to comments credited to Senator Bob, who called for “issue-based politics” and cautioned against what he described as attacks on Governor Umo Eno. While PAPA-J said there was nothing wrong with advocating issue-based discourse, it argued that Senator Bob failed to define what constitutes an “unwarranted attack” and what truly qualifies as issue-based politics.
“Ordinarily, there would be nothing wrong with advocating issue-based politics. However, in his apparent desperation to please the Governor, Senator Effiong Bob forgot to educate Akwa Ibom people on what exactly constitutes ‘unwarranted attacks’ and what truly amounts to issue-based politics,” the group stated.
PAPA-J accused the senator of abandoning the role of a lawmaker and political leader to become a defender of the executive, rather than allowing the government’s communication team to respond to criticisms. The group questioned why Senator Bob chose to “issue veiled threats against those who dare to question the government’s record” instead of countering opposition claims with data.
“We are compelled to ask: Since when did Senator Effiong Bob become the official spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom State Government? Does the government no longer have commissioners, special advisers, media aides, and information managers capable of defending its policies and programmes?” the statement read.
The advocacy group insisted that criticism is a constitutional right and a pillar of democracy, not a crime. According to PAPA-J, citizens must be allowed to evaluate government performance without fear of intimidation from political leaders.
“In a democracy, criticism of government is not a crime. The constitutional rights of citizens to express opinions, evaluate government performance and demand accountability cannot be suspended because a few political leaders are uncomfortable with public scrutiny. Senator Bob cannot silence Akwa Ibom people with threats disguised as political advice,” PAPA-J said.
The group further argued that demanding accountability is not an attack but a civic duty. It listed questioning governance, challenging policy failures, highlighting abandoned projects, and demanding better economic outcomes as “essential ingredients of democracy and good governance.”
PAPA-J suggested that the growing intolerance toward criticism within some circles of the administration points to a lack of confidence in the governor’s record ahead of 2027. The group said if the administration’s performance was as strong as its supporters claim, there would be no need to silence dissenting voices.
“The growing intolerance toward criticism being displayed by some supporters of the administration suggests a deeper fear, the fear that Governor Umo Eno’s performance may not be sufficient to earn the confidence of the electorate in 2027. If the administration is truly performing as excellently as its defenders claim, then there should be no need for threats or attempts to silence dissenting voices,” the statement noted.
Drawing a contrast, PAPA-J referenced Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who has repeatedly said his work will speak for him and that he is not focused on campaigning for 2027. The group said that posture reflects confidence and respect for voters.
“We draw Senator Bob’s attention to the example of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who has repeatedly stated that his works will speak for him and that he is not preoccupied with campaigning for 2027. That approach reflects confidence in performance and respect for the intelligence of the electorate,” PAPA-J said.
The group then posed a direct question to Senator Bob, challenging him to assess Governor Eno’s record without resorting to intimidation or appeals to senatorial sentiment.
“The question Senator Effiong Bob must answer is simple: Can he confidently say that Governor Umo Eno’s works can speak for him without the assistance of threats, intimidation and emotional appeals based on senatorial identity?”
PAPA-J maintained that Akwa Ibom voters are politically aware and will judge leaders based on results, not threats. It predicted that the 2027 elections will be decided by governance outcomes and the impact of government policies on daily life, not by attempts to suppress debate.
“Akwa Ibom people are politically conscious and intelligent enough to assess leaders based on results rather than threats and intimidation. The 2027 elections will not be determined by threats, sentiments, or attempts to suppress criticism. It will be determined by the people’s assessment of governance, delivery of campaign promises, and the overall impact of government policies on their daily lives,” the group declared.
PAPA-J further reaffirmed in its conclusion that commitment to constructive engagement and holding public officials accountable, regardless of whose interests are affected.
“PAPA-J remains committed to constructive engagement, issue-based discourse, and the promotion of democratic values. We shall continue to defend the rights of citizens to speak truth to power and hold public office holders accountable, irrespective of whose interests may be threatened by such scrutiny,” the release stated.
As political activities begin to gather momentum toward 2027, the exchange between Senator Bob and PAPA-J signals what could become a heated debate over governance, accountability, and freedom of expression in Akwa Ibom State.
