Akwa Ibom indigenes in the Diaspora have been urged to be wary of servings about the state in internet fora as most of the presentations are false and aimed at inciting the people against government.
Governor Godswill Akpabio gave the advice while addressing the first congress of Akwa Ibom people residing and doing business in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Akpabio explained that those who are against the home government are now resorting to blackmail and insults on the web having failed to find a favourable audience at home.
The governor said that those in opposition, who cannot rubbish the government's development efforts because of its apparent nature, are now using the cyberspace to blackmail it and confuse the people on the goings-on in the state.
While explaining the motive behind the spate of attacks on the government on local community websites, Akpabio pointed out that the state government recognises the right of the people to hold opinions.
He however emphasised that such presentations, especially through such media, should be based on facts.
He said ordinarily government would not be bothered by such presentations as they are deliberately meant to distract it from its focus
He said it was necessary to offer the explanation so that those who did not have the privilege of visiting home might not take them for facts.
Secretary to the State Government, Umana Okon Umana, had earlier on Saturday at the stakeholders' forum, which he chaired at the Castle Green Community Centre in Daghenam, East London, made similar explanations when the people sought to know about the infrastructural development effort of the present administration in the state as against what they read in community interactive websites..
Former military governor of the state, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd), who also spoke on the issue, apparently because of its destrucitve nature, suggested that since the medium has become a veritable avenue for spin-doctors, the state government should consider opening a liaison office in the UK, for the benefit of those who seek authentic information about the state.
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