… disown misleading newspaper report, demand apology
By Ime Silas
The Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, M.A.N., Akwa Ibom State Branch, has disowned a media publication which claimed that magistrates in the state dragged Governor Umo Eno over an alleged unfulfilled vehicle pledge.
The Association described the report as false, misleading and unauthorized, saying it does not represent its official position.
The reaction was contained in a press release signed by the Chairman of the Association, Chief Magistrate Esther Godwin Etukudo, and the Secretary, Senior Magistrate Ifiok Sunday Ubom, made available to newsmen in Uyo.
The release was titled “RE: A’IBOM MAGISTRATES DRAG GOV. ENO OVER UNFULFILLED VEHICLE PLEDGE” – REFUTAL AND DISCLAIMER.
According to the Association, its attention was drawn to the publication by The Eyes Portal, Vol. 7 No. 268, dated Tuesday, 18th August – Monday, 24th August, 2026, prominently captioned: “A’Ibom Magistrates drag Gov. Eno over unfulfilled vehicle pledge.”
The Association said it considers it imperative, in the interest of truth and accuracy, to categorically refute and disclaim the impression conveyed by the said headlines.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Branch, did not authorise, sponsor or commission the said publication, and the headlines does not represent the official position of the Association,” the statement said.
The magistrates further picked holes in the said publication, noting that a careful reading of the body of the article at page 4 shows that the facts in controversy were attributed to a faceless and nameless Chief Magistrate who spoke under anonymity.
The Association stressed that such a source could not speak on behalf of the Association to an unknown reporter whom the publication described as “Our Correspondent”.
“His position for whatever intent and purposes, does not represent the official position of the Executive Council of Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Branch, nor that of the entire Akwa Ibom State Magistracy,” the Magistrates maintained.
The Association expressed concern that the expression “drag Gov. Eno” creates an entirely misleading impression of hostility, confrontation or litigation between the Magistrates of Akwa Ibom State and the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.
“That is not the position of the Association,” it declared.
The body said it has at all times maintained a relationship with the State Government, founded on mutual respect, institutional courtesy and constructive engagement, while legitimately pursuing matters affecting the welfare, working conditions and effective administration of justice.
The Association acknowledged the constitutional and institutional responsibilities of government and said it appreciates the efforts of the present administration towards the development of Akwa Ibom State and the strengthening of public institutions, including the Judiciary.
“Where a matter relating to the welfare or operational needs of Magistrates requires government’s attention, the Association is fully entitled to communicate and engage with the appropriate authorities through established institutional channels. Such legitimate engagement modality and mechanism underscores the core moral values, institutional courtesy and professional integrity, the magistracy is known for,” the statement added.
Accordingly, the Association strongly dissociated itself from any statement, insinuation or representation suggesting that it has embarked upon a media campaign against the Executive Governor or the Akwa Ibom State government over the issue referred to in the publication.
It also clarified that no individual member or officer of the Association should be presumed to speak for the Association unless expressly authorised to do so in accordance with its established structure and procedures.
“We therefore urge members of the public, the legal profession, the Government, the Judiciary and the media to disregard any impression created by the said headlines and the entire publication on the subject matter, alleging that the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Branch, is engaged in a dispute or confrontation with His Excellency, the Governor, over the alleged vehicle pledge,” it said.
The Association reiterated its commitment to the independence, dignity and integrity of the magistracy, and said it will continue to pursue legitimate welfare and institutional matters responsibly, respectfully and through appropriate channels.
It equally called upon media practitioners to uphold the ethics of responsible journalism by ensuring that headlines and articles published are verifiable and accurately reflect the facts and do not create unnecessary tension or misrepresent the position of a professional body.
“The Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Branch, hereby unequivocally takes exception, refutes and disclaims both the headlines and content of the said publication that ‘A’Ibom Magistrates drag Gov. Eno over unfulfilled vehicle pledge’ as it does not represent the official position of the Association,” the statement said.
The Association further demanded that the publishers of The Eyes Portal should within three days, tender an unreserved apology to Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Branch, for the libelous, unauthorized and misleading publication, and publish the rebuttal and disclaimer with the same prominence accorded the impugned publication.
It warned that it reserves the right to take such further steps as may be necessary to protect its name, reputation and institutional integrity should the misrepresentation persist.
