2023 Presidency: EFCC Should Go After Akpabio Now -N/Delta Group
3 min read
Edith CHUKU
Days after the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio formally declared his interest to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the forth-coming 2023 elections, leaders in the region have called the Economic Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, to go after the former Akwa Ibom State governor.
Speaking under the aegis of the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta, MOSIEND, the group said Akpabio was heading nowhere with his presidential ambition.
National president of the pan Niger Delta group, Kennedy Tonjo-West, in a statement made available to TNN said “When we say Niger Delta politicians with credible credentials should come and contest, we never contemplated Sen. Godswill Akpabio at all.
“Akpabio is not going anywhere with Niger Delta monies. MOSIEND is calling on the EFCC helmsman to, as a matter of urgency, start with Senator Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Effiong Okon.
“We believe that Akpabio is using monies laundered from the NDDC to finance his presidential ambition. We are calling on the secretary to the government of the federation to inaugurate the highest civil servant or director to take over the commission even as EFCC should be giving free hand to run investigation. We disagree with Akpabio over his reason for not resigning along others, it holds no water.”
“We are calling on the SGF to sack Akpabio, while APC and INEC should disqualify him. Akpabio is using regional funds to run presidential ambition.
“Akpabio, a fifth columnist’s, corrupt person like him is the least qualified to contest, unless the APC is making it look like an all commerce affair.
“Since the EFCC helmsman has threatened to investigate the source of funds to purchase the interest form, more especially in the ruling party, Akpabio should be the first port of call, a minister who has used illegality to administer the commission since Mr. president transmitted power to him in 2019.
“Since he cannot fix the Niger Delta problem, how can he address Nigeria problems? If the current EFCC boss is alive and responsive to the mandate before him, his statement should not end in just a mere threat, but in spirit and letter.
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“Akpabio has grossly impoverished and underdeveloped the region by using every tactics and windows to syphon the commission. The selfishness and greedy disposition of Senator Godswill Akpabio was further exposed as he refused to listen to the calling of Nigerians to constitute the NDDC Board for egocentric reasons.
“He lacks the qualities of an upright and transparent leader, hence less qualified to govern Nigeria. Nigeria is looking for visionary leaders not one who is high-handed, uonny and and deceptive. One who cannot fix Niger Delta problems how can he fix Nigeria problems?”
MOSIEND urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sack, disqualify and investigate the Akpabio and also investigate the source of his funding for the presidential election.