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Civil society organisations (CSOs), under the aegis of Network Against Corruption And Trafficking (NACAT), have urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to investigate a former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio, over alleged financial impropriety.
Justice Ojefia, executive director, legal, NACAT, while speaking on Tuesday, May 23, accused Akpabio of diverting public funds to the tune of N1 trillion while serving as governor between 2011 and 2015.
Ojefia noted that the financial infractions and irregularities range from circumvention of procurement processes, suspicious payments of funds, possible money laundering to award of contracts to non-existent Shell companies.
He stated that, “These financial manipulations have cost the good people of Akwa Ibom state, huge sum of 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, Ministry of Niger Delta and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“Akpabio, as governor, looted over N1 trillion from 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 commission’s probe?
“He will enact laws that will weaken the EFCC and ICPC since he has cases with them,’’ he added.
Source: TheStreetJournal | Read More
