Senator Godswill Akpabio, a former Niger Delta minister, has denied claims that he stole more than N1 trillion while serving as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
According to Newsmen, Akpabio was responding to a claim that he should be investigated by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial irregularities made by the Network Against Corruption And Trafficking (NACAT), a civil society organization.
The Executive Director (Legal) of NACAT, Justice Ojefia, claimed during a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja that an audit report of the Akwa Ibom State treasury between 2011 and 2015 showed that Akpabio allegedly stole more than N1 trillion while serving as governor.
Judge Me By My Performance As Governor Not As Minister – Akpabio
As a minister, Akpabio allegedly stole more than N200 billion from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), according to Ojefia.
But in a statement on Tuesday, Jackson Udom, Akpabio’s press secretary, referred to the claims as a scheme to coerce him out of the race for the 10th Senate Presidency.
Udom also denied the accusations, adding that it is proper to conduct investigations into any public official after they have left government.
He said: “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.
10th NASS: Why I Obeyed Tinubu When He Asked Me To Step Down For Akpabio – Umahi
“The question then is, why this letter to the EFCC now? Why all these blackmail and lies now? The answer is not far-fetched.
“Akpabio wants to be Senate President, he remains the candidate to beat and he must be brought down at all costs by those who can’t match his acceptance by his colleagues.
“His colleagues in the Stability Group are working round the clock to make him the Senate President of the 10th Senate, through the support of their colleagues across party lines.
“Their major concern is to give stability to the President-elect’s administration when it comes on stream on May 29, 2023.’’
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.