Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has lashed out at Nollywood actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo following the latter’s controversial comments regarding gender identity and the rising debate on transgender rights in Nigeria.
In a strongly worded statement during a media parley in Uyo, Governor Eno dismissed Okonkwo’s remarks as “uninformed, divisive, and attention-seeking,” adding, “Kenneth Okonkwo should focus on reviving his floundering career instead of spreading confusion. He’s a failed actor trying to stay relevant through cheap talk.”
Okonkwo, who recently made headlines for describing transgender identity as “a moral collapse imported from the West,” drew heavy backlash from civil rights groups, as well as prominent voices in the political and entertainment spheres. His comments were widely viewed as insensitive, particularly given the ongoing struggles faced by the Nigerian LGBTQ+ community.
Governor Eno, known for his more inclusive and development-focused rhetoric, did not mince words. “As leaders, even in entertainment, we must speak with sense and compassion. This is not Nollywood. People’s lives and identities are not scripts to be mocked or misrepresented.”
The altercation between the two public figures has ignited fresh debate about the responsibility of celebrities and politicians in shaping public opinion on sensitive social issues. While Kenneth Okonkwo has yet to respond directly to Governor Eno’s criticism, sources close to the actor suggest he is preparing a formal statement.
