Retract It! – Kenneth Okonkwo Under Fire As Comment On Gov Eno Sparks Outrage

A fresh wave of outrage has erupted across Akwa Ibom State following comments credited to Nollywood actor and political figure, Kenneth Okonkwo, who reportedly referred to the state governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, as a “transgenderic governor”.

The remark, described by many as “baseless, offensive, and unbecoming of a public personality,” has triggered swift condemnation from indigenes, civil society advocates, and political observers who say the statement is not only a personal attack but a direct insult to the people of Akwa Ibom.

Reacting to the development, Charles Udoh, a prominent public commentator and indigene of the state, called for the immediate retraction of the statement and a public apology from Mr. Okonkwo.

“To describe a sitting governor in such derogatory terms is not just reckless; it is an assault on the dignity of the 7.9 million people who voted for vision, competence, and character,” Udoh said.

He described Governor Umo Eno as a man of integrity, a respected entrepreneur, and a clergyman whose early strides in office have focused on inclusive governance, peace, and economic development.

“Governor Eno represents a new kind of leadership—decent, focused, and people-oriented. Reducing his persona to cheap slurs in the name of political banter is both shameful and unacceptable,” he added.

Okonkwo’s remarks, which surfaced on social media, have been widely condemned as crossing the line of civil political discourse. Critics argue that rather than engage in fact-based criticism, the actor-turned-politician resorted to a term considered both meaningless and incendiary.

Observers note that while democracy permits freedom of expression, that right must be exercised with decorum and respect for others—especially elected leaders and the citizens who voted them into office.

“Democracy thrives on ideas, not insults,” Udoh stated. “What we expect from public figures—whether politicians, commentators, or celebrities—is to elevate the conversation, not drag it into the gutters.”

Many Akwa Ibomites are now calling on Kenneth Okonkwo to immediately withdraw his remarks and issue an unreserved apology to Governor Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom State.

“This is not just about the governor—it’s about our collective dignity as a people. We cannot be insulted and pretend it’s politics,” one resident said.

As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, the incident has sparked wider reflections on the state of public discourse in the country.

Political observers say it is a reminder that the tone of national conversation matters—and that public figures must be held to higher standards of engagement.