Umana Denies Defecting from APC, Pledges Support for Buhari

Martins Ifijeh

Following the rumoured defection of the Managing Director, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Mr. Umana Okon Umana, from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his media team has said the story was untrue.

In a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday, and signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the oil magnate, Iboro Otongaran, he said the false social media publication written by one Nsibiet John was misleading and should be discarded by well- meaning Nigerians.

Otongaran said: “We want to inform members of the public that the write-up in question is completely false and baseless as Umana is with President Muhammadu Buhari. The author of the publication, John, is known for publishing false stories to malign leaders in Akwa Ibom State and impugn the integrity of other distinguished members of the society.

“John is currently facing a serious criminal charge in a court in Uyo for false publication against the Deputy Governor of the State, Chief Moses Ekpo.”

He said sometime last year, the author was detained by the police for false publication.

“Contrary to the false publication under reference, Umana is working assiduously with other leaders and members of his great party, the APC, to ensure the victory of the party at all levels in Akwa Ibom State and in the country at large in the forthcoming elections. This fact is clearly evident in the media coverage of Umana’s participation in party activities both in the state and at the national level,” the special adviser said.

He called on members of the public to disregard the publication, adding that it is the handiwork of an imposter masquerading as a journalist.