A civil society organization, Network Against Corruption and Human Trafficking, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio for alleged corruption during his tenure.
The organisation accused Akpabio of engaging in corrupt practices and enriching himself at the expense of the Akwa Ibom people. The call for investigation comes ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, with Akpabio as one of the leading contenders for the position of Senate President.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Executive Director of Investigation in the organisation, Samson Tega and Operational Manager, Stanley Ugabe, said that Akpabio is not fit to serve as Senate President due to the allegations of corruption against him.
However, in response, Akpabio’s Chief Press Secretary, Jackson Udom, described the allegations as a “witch-hunt” aimed at scuttling the former governor’s bid for the Senate Presidency. Udom emphasized that Akpabio’s performance as the State Governor between 2007 and 2015 is still visible in all nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom State.
Tega, on the other hand, recalled that shortly after leaving office, the EFCC invited Akpabio for questioning over allegations of misappropriation of funds from the Akwa Ibom State treasury. He stated that this was the reason why civil societies, including the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking embarked on investigations of the Akwa Ibom State Government Account between 2011-2015.
According to Tega, the investigation uncovered financial infractions, irregularities, circumvention of procurement processes, possible money laundering, and the award of contracts to non-existent shell companies. He also raised concerns that making Akpabio Senate President could weaken the fight against corruption as he has ongoing cases with EFCC and ICPC.
The Network Against Corruption and Human Trafficking urged the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the allegations of corruption against Akpabio and ensure that any corruption found is brought to justice.
It also called on the ruling party to avoid rewarding corruption by considering credible and untainted candidates for the positions of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
