I AM NO LONGER INVOLVED IN STUDENTS’ POLITICS-INI EMEMOBONG

Recently, my attention has been drawn to series of publications aimed at denigrating a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), former Special Assistant on Student Matters to the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and currently the Special Assistant on Political Matters to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Ini Ememobong. The latest in this series of smear campaign being a publication in an online medium ” Sitipe KE Akwaibom” titled “SUPREMACY WAR: INI EMEM-OBONG’S PLANS TO UNSEAT GOV’S AIDE UNCOVERED”. While it is not in my nature to dignify blackmailers with a response, it is pertinent at some point to set the records straight lest falsehood gets misconstrued as truth as it is common knowledge that lies not responded to, assume the status of truth overtimes.

As someone who has worked very closely with Comrade Ini Ememobong, I can vouch on my honour that it is not in the character of Timmy as he is fondly called to instigate crisis or plot for anyone’s downfall as the said publication inferred. Rather, Comrade Ini Ememobong has been passionate about mentoring and developing young people to achieve their ambitions of which I am a testimony. It is therefore foolhardy for anyone to think that Timmy would stoop so low or ascribe whatever problems he or she may be facing to him.

You would recall that days to the end of the last administration, Comrade Ini Ememobong had in a valedictory meeting with student leaders held on the 27th of May 2015 publicly brought his involvement in student politics to an end as he gave account of his stewardship as SA on Student Matters to the student community and readied himself for higher responsibilities. Upon assumption of office as an aide to His Excellency the Governor, the learned gentleman has been dedicated to the herculean task of discharging his duties as SA Political.

Let me therefore put it on record that Comade Ini Ememobong is not sponsoring anyone or group of persons to cause crisis in the student community neither is he interested in the ongoings in that particular sector. The peddlers of the smear campaign against him who have been doing so with pseudo identities should desist forthwith. It is also expected of journalists and those who have found themselves in the profession to balance stories and conduct independent investigations before bringing same to the public domain especially issues capable of dragging one’s image in the mud. Last I checked, defamation of character is an offense punishable by law and Comrade Ini Ememobong as a learned gentleman may have to seek redress in court if he so wishes.

Let this therefore be a final note of warning to all concerned. Our silence should not be mistaken for weakness or cowardice. The issues mentioned in the said publication are petty issues which are undeserving of Timmy’s attention as he has important assignments to deliver to the state. It is common knowledge that when an allegation is made, the burden of proof lies with the accuser. I hope our detractors have proofs to their allegations as they will be called upon to defend themselves very soon. I will see to that myself.

A word is enough for the wise.

Comrade Ubon Marcus