The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that it intends to investigate immediate past governor Udom Emmanuel, describing the reports as false and misleading.

Kufreabasi Edidem, the deputy speaker, made this known in a statement issued in Uyo, the state capital, and circulated to journalists on Tuesday.

According to Edidem, no committee has been set up to probe the former governor.

“The attention of the leadership and members of the Akwa Ibom Assembly has been drawn to a report in a newspaper publication of Monday, August 11, that the immediate past governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, is facing a probe by the House.

“The House wishes to state categorically that there is no scintilla of truth in the publication, in content and in intent, and gives clarifications to help properly inform the public as follows: That the publication is speculative, lacks factual basis, and does not reflect any official position or resolution of the House,” he said.

Edidem explained that what happened during plenary on Thursday, August 7, was that the member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Uwem Imoh-Ita, raised a matter of urgent public importance concerning unpaid salaries of some employees at the state’s Coconut Plantation for the past seven months.

“As a norm in the House, an ad hoc committee has been constituted to investigate the issue raised and report back within one month. The committee has yet to submit its report to the House for consideration,” he noted.

The Deputy Speaker urged journalists to verify information from official legislative sources before publication.

“Inaccurate and sensational reporting not only misleads the public but also undermines the credibility of democratic institutions.

“Media professionals should thus know where to draw the line between facts and sensationalism. Journalism is a noble profession with its strong ethical bent,” Edidem said.

Emmanuel served as the third democratically elected governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2015-2023.