The Chairman of Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Anietie Eka, has distanced himself from a controversial report praising the Akwa Ibom State Government’s flood control efforts after the publication drew widespread criticism for appearing insensitive to victims of Thursday’s devastating flooding in Uyo.
The report, written by Godwin Edet, personal assistant on media to Governor Umo Eno, argued that the governor’s investments in roads and drainage infrastructure prevented an even worse disaster despite severe flooding that submerged homes, businesses and major roads across the state capital.
The publication, however, triggered public outrage, with many residents and commentators questioning the appropriateness of celebrating government achievements while hundreds of families were still assessing losses from one of the worst floods to hit Uyo in recent years.
The controversy deepened after Mr Eka told PREMIUM TIMES that the report did not represent the official position of the authority.
Instead, he said the public should rely on the report published by the agency’s Information Officer, Uduak Otu, which differed substantially from Mr Edet’s version.
