Civil Society Organizations in collaboration with Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) have urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Senator Godswill Akpabio for financial misconduct. During a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, the group accused Akpabio of financial misconduct amounting to N1 trillion naira and advocated for a full investigation of the matter.
According to Mr. Justice Ojefia, the Executive Director of Legal at NACAT, Senator Godswill Akpabio was accused of financial misconduct evidenced in an audit report of Akwa Ibom State treasury between 2011 and 2015. Ojeifa accused Akpabio of circumventing procurement processes, suspicious payments, possible money laundering, and awarding contracts to non-existent shell companies, all of which caused financial loss to the good people of Akwa-Ibom State, amounting to over N700 billion under Akpabio’s watch.
NACAT also spoke against the move to elect Akpabio as Senate President, citing that it would hinder the fight against corruption, as Akpabio could potentially enact laws that would weaken the EFCC and ICPC, institutions with which he has ongoing cases.
However, in response to allegations against him, Senator Godswill Akpabio’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Jackson Udom, denied the allegations as blackmail. Udom stated that every public officer could be investigated after leaving office, adding that a thorough investigation is the right thing to do. He also described the accusations as unfounded and motivated by a desire to bring Akpabio down.
Mr. Jackson Udom also claimed that Akpabio’s colleagues in the Stability Group were working to make him Senate President of the 10th Senate in order to provide stability to the administration of the President-elect when it comes into power on May 29, 2023.
In conclusion, the CSOs have demanded a thorough investigation into Senator Godswill Akpabio’s alleged financial misconduct and criticized the move to elect him as Senate President, citing that it would undermine the fight against corruption. The ball is now in the EFCC’s court to determine the veracity of the allegations and act accordingly.
