NACAT Alleges N1.5 Trillion Corruption by Ex-Governor Udom Emmanuel

The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel, his family, and government officials of large-scale corruption. The group alleges that Emmanuel’s administration engaged in the diversion of over N1.5 trillion, money laundering, and looting of state resources.

In a statement released to DAILY POST, Emmanuel’s spokesman, Stephen Abia, strongly rejected the allegations, dismissing them as a baseless attempt at blackmail. Abia maintained that the accusations were without merit, asserting that the former governor maintained high levels of integrity throughout his tenure.

The petition, made public on Wednesday, highlights several alleged financial malpractices during Emmanuel’s time in office. NACAT claims to have conducted a thorough investigation and audit of the state’s finances, revealing a shocking diversion of N700 billion and an additional N500 billion in borrowed funds that were reportedly misused. The group further criticized Emmanuel for leaving numerous state projects abandoned despite substantial inflows into Akwa Ibom’s coffers, totaling over N3 trillion.

NACAT officials, including Fejiro Oliver Tega Oghenedoro, Executive Director of Investigation, and Stanley Ugabe, Operations Manager, emphasized that much of the state’s budget for security was allegedly siphoned off, leaving security personnel underfunded while funds were misappropriated for personal gain.

In response, Abia defended Emmanuel’s legacy, stating that the former governor had transformed Akwa Ibom during his tenure, especially in terms of security. He claimed that Emmanuel’s efforts were widely appreciated by the state’s citizens and that there were no instances of mismanagement or financial misconduct under his leadership. Abia dismissed the petition as a “cheap blackmail” and stressed that the allegations would amount to nothing.

The controversy has intensified, with NACAT promising to submit additional evidence to the EFCC related to the years 2015 to 2023. While the petition remains under review, Emmanuel’s defenders maintain that the allegations are unfounded and that the former governor remains a figure of high integrity.