Former Niger Delta Minister, Godswill Akpabio, has responded to allegations that he embezzled over N1 trillion during his tenure as the governor of Akwa Ibom State.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Akpabio considers these claims a deliberate plot by individuals seeking to hinder his bid for the presidency of the 10th Senate.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Jackson Udom, Akpabio emphasised that an investigation does not equate to a conviction.
Udom defended his boss against calls from civil society organisations, such as the Network Against Corruption And Trafficking (NACAT), urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe Akpabio for alleged financial impropriety.
Recall that during a press conference in Abuja, Justice Ojefia, Executive Director, Legal, NACAT, alleged that Akpabio misappropriated at least N700 billion from the Akwa Ibom State treasury and over N200 billion from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) while serving as a minister.
Ojefia claimed that audit reports from 2011 to 2015 indicated financial irregularities amounting to N1 trillion, including circumvention of procurement processes, suspicious payments, possible money laundering, and contracts awarded to nonexistent shell companies.
The accusations made by NACAT sparked concerns about Akpabio’s eligibility for the position of Senate President, as it was seen as rewarding corruption.
Ojefia argued that allowing Akpabio to preside over the Senate would undermine the fight against corruption and potentially weaken the EFCC and ICPC, with which Akpabio has pending cases.
“These financial manipulations have cost the good people of Akwa-Ibom State, money amounting to over N700 billion, under the watch of Akpabio.
“To make Akpabio a Senate President is a reward for monumental corruption orchestrated in Akwa Ibom and Ministry of Niger Delta and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“Akpabio as governor looted over N1 trillion of Akwa Ibom State treasury and over N200 billion NDDC funds as a minister.
“How will Akpabio be allowed to preside over the same Senate when he accused the entire Senators as being behind the corruption in NDDC during the NDDC probe?
“He will enact laws that will weaken the EFCC and ICPC since he has cases with them,’’ Ojefia said.
In response, Jackson Udom refuted the allegations, reiterating that being investigated does not imply guilt.
Udom emphasised that Akpabio left office eight years ago after an outstanding service to Akwa Ibom, and his accomplishments and contributions during his tenure are still visible in the state. Udom questioned the timing of the allegations, attributing them to a deliberate attempt to sabotage Akpabio’s aspiration for Senate Presidency.
“Investigation is no conviction. Every public officer could be investigated after leaving office and that is the right thing to do.
“Sen. Akpabio left office eight years ago after a meritorious service to Akwa Ibom and his legacies and performance as the state governor from 2007-2015, are still visible in the state.
“The question then is, why this letter to the EFCC now? Why all these blackmail and lies now? The answer is not far-fetched.
Udom revealed that Akpabio is the preferred candidate for Senate President, with the support of his colleagues from across party lines in the Stability Group.
He made it known that their primary goal is to provide stability to the upcoming administration of the President-elect, which is set to commence on May 29, 2023.
