₦700bn Alleged Fraud: PDP Accuses Akpabio Of Smear Campaign

Gov. Umo Eno Distances Himself, State Government From Allegations
Akpabio Not Behind Petition – APC
Says PDP’s Accusations Are Hypocritical and Politically Motivated

The political landscape of Akwa Ibom has been shaken by a fresh and explosive round of accusations, as a bitter war of words erupts between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged fraudulent activities tied to the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel.

At the heart of this controversy is a damning ₦700 billion fraud allegation leveled against Emmanuel, a matter currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

As the controversy intensifies, both political factions have launched fiery accusations and counter-accusations, adding more fuel to the already charged political atmosphere in the state.

The PDP, through a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, has vehemently condemned what it describes as a concerted and calculated effort by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to tarnish the image of former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

According to the opposition party, Akpabio has been behind a deliberate smear campaign designed to undermine Emmanuel’s reputation, especially in light of the EFCC’s recent invitation to Emmanuel for questioning.

The EFCC’s investigation into the alleged ₦700 billion fraud, which includes claims of money laundering and the diversion of state funds, has set off a firestorm of debate within the political sphere, with accusations of political manipulation, media manipulation, and an attempt to discredit the former governor for political gain.

The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, wasted no time in accusing Akpabio of masterminding a well-oiled scheme to control sections of the media, pushing out misleading and false reports intended to paint Emmanuel in a negative light.

“We are aware of a well-oiled scheme reportedly engineered by the Senate President to compromise sections of the media to spread false allegations against Udom Emmanuel,” Ologunagba stated in the party’s fiery statement.

“The latest attempt is to falsely portray Udom Emmanuel as being indicted by the EFCC, all while circulating misleading figures to confuse and deceive the public.”

The PDP, which has consistently rallied behind Emmanuel, strongly defended his record as governor, arguing that the former leader’s tenure was one of remarkable achievements.

The party highlighted Emmanuel’s significant contributions in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and aviation, and argued that he left behind a state on a path of growth and prosperity.

In an impassioned plea, the PDP demanded an end to what it described as the “vilification” of its leaders, particularly Emmanuel, whose administration it described as one of transparency and prudent resource management.

“It is on record that Udom Emmanuel served meritoriously as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, leaving behind an impeccable record in infrastructure, education, healthcare, aviation, power, housing, and economic development,” the PDP’s statement read. “His administration was committed to prudent resource management and the betterment of the people of Akwa Ibom.”

In the same breath, the PDP called on Akpabio to cease his alleged efforts to damage Emmanuel’s legacy and redirect his focus to the critical national issues that await his attention in the Senate.

The party stressed that Akpabio should address the pressing matters within the National Assembly, rather than engaging in personal attacks against former leaders of the state.

“Senator Akpabio should leave Udom Emmanuel alone and focus on the many challenges facing him in the Senate,” the PDP urged. “It is evident that his focus is being diverted from the essential matters at hand.”

However, the APC was quick to fire back, dismissing the PDP’s accusations as nothing more than a politically motivated diversionary tactic.

In a statement issued on Saturday, APC’s Director General, Iniobong John, vehemently denied the allegations that Akpabio was behind a smear campaign against Emmanuel.

John called the claims baseless and far from the truth, asserting that the EFCC’s invitation of Emmanuel was part of the routine process by which the anti-graft agency investigates and prosecutes economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.

“We categorically assert that Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, has no business disseminating news regarding the arrest or invitation of former Governor Udom Emmanuel,” John stated firmly.

“As Senate President, Akpabio’s role is to oversee the operations of the National Assembly, not to engage in trivial matters like these. It is unfortunate that the PDP’s factional National Publicity Secretary has resorted to making baseless and malicious claims.”

John further questioned the credibility of the PDP’s allegations, asking why they were suddenly accusing Akpabio of orchestrating a smear campaign, while failing to deny the core facts, including the reality that Emmanuel himself had acknowledged being invited by the EFCC.

In a sharp retort, John pointed out that the EFCC had investigated several other former governors, including Yahaya Bello and Ifeanyi Okowa, suggesting that the PDP’s accusations were hypocritical and politically motivated.

“This attempt to manipulate public opinion and tarnish Senator Akpabio’s reputation will not succeed,” John concluded.

“The APC Media Network condemns this smear campaign and challenges the PDP to focus on its own glaring failures instead of diverting attention through malicious tactics.”

The unfolding drama between the PDP and the APC has revealed a deep divide in the political fabric of Akwa Ibom, with each side accusing the other of exploiting the investigation for political gain.

The dispute over the alleged ₦700 billion fraud has only intensified the ongoing political rivalry between the two major parties, setting the stage for what could be a prolonged and bitter battle for public opinion.

As the EFCC continues its investigation into the fraud allegations, the stakes remain high, with both the PDP and APC fiercely defending their positions. The accusations and counter-accusations are far from over, as each party seeks to use the controversy to its advantage.

Meanwhile, the people of Akwa Ibom are left to navigate the storm, with many questioning the true motives behind the political maneuvering. While the EFCC probe continues, the fate of Udom Emmanuel’s reputation and legacy hangs in the balance, caught between the political crossfire of two powerful factions.

Both the PDP and APC are staking their claims, not just for the truth but for the future of governance in the oil-rich state.

In a dramatic and forceful response to the alleged ₦700 billion fraud scandal, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has unequivocally distanced himself and the state government from the allegations. Addressing the matter at a town hall meeting in Abak, Governor Eno strongly rejected the accusations, calling them “baseless” and “without merit.”

“I don’t know where they get those figures from because it can’t be from Akwa Ibom State; it can’t be from us – we don’t have such figures,” Eno said, expressing his disbelief at the scale of the claims.

The allegations, which were leveled by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACT), claim that Emmanuel, who served as the governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023, was involved in a large-scale fraud scheme, including money laundering and the diversion of government funds. The petition to the EFCC alleges that Emmanuel was unable to account for a staggering ₦700 billion of public funds during his tenure.

Governor Eno, a member of the PDP, condemned the ongoing vilification of former leaders of the state, stating that the practice of subjecting former governors to investigations and accusations after they leave office is both harmful and discouraging to current leaders.

He pointed out that this pattern of behavior has existed since the return to democracy in 1999, citing the cases of past governors such as Obong Attah and the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, both of whom had been subjected to similar probes after their tenures.

“I begin to feel that how we treat our leaders after they have put in all their efforts to serve can be very discouraging,” Eno lamented, adding that such attacks could prevent future leaders from giving their best. “When a man has served his state meritoriously like Governor Udom Emmanuel did, honestly, he should be honored and respected.”

Eno further warned that these constant probes into the conduct of former leaders could discourage current officials from working to their fullest potential, fearing unjust retribution after they leave office. Despite the controversies, he remains firm in his support of Emmanuel’s legacy and has called for an end to the unfounded allegations, urging the people of Akwa Ibom to dismiss them as politically motivated.

As the investigation unfolds, the political landscape in Akwa Ibom remains tense, with each side clinging to its narrative.

The true nature of the allegations, and their potential impact on the future of Akwa Ibom’s governance, is far from clear. The drama surrounding the ₦700 billion fraud scandal is far from over, and both parties are bracing for the political fallout that is sure to follow.