“Enang Slams Allegations Connecting Akpabio to Udom Emmanuel’s EFCC Probe”

Former Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, has strongly warned against involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio in the ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) probe of former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel. Enang, speaking in Uyo, dismissed claims linking Akpabio to the petition filed by the group Network Against Corruption and Trafficking, which accused Emmanuel of financial mismanagement during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.

The petition alleges that Emmanuel mismanaged up to N700 billion in public funds and engaged in other financial irregularities. However, the allegations have sparked tensions in Akwa Ibom State, with some pointing fingers at Akpabio, suggesting he may be behind the investigation into his former political ally.

Enang, addressing the matter under the umbrella of the Progressives Conscience and Team Nigeria (PCTN), a group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), rejected any claims linking Akpabio to the petition. He emphasized that the focus should remain on addressing the issues raised in the petition, rather than diverting attention by speculating about Akpabio’s involvement.

“There is nothing to link the Senate President or his office to the alleged petition,” Enang said. “Instead of distracting from the issue at hand, we should concentrate on verifying the facts and allowing the due process of the law to unfold.”

He urged Akwa Ibom residents to rally behind Akpabio in his role as Senate President and support his efforts in delivering on national responsibilities. Enang called for unity, emphasizing that citizens should prioritize state development over political or ethnic divides.

The former presidential aide also reminded the people of Akwa Ibom that public officials, including former governors, are always subject to accountability, whether before the people or, ultimately, before God. However, he insisted that the central issue should be whether there are legitimate questions to answer regarding Emmanuel’s time in office, rather than focusing on those behind the petition.

Enang further stated that Akpabio’s primary responsibility as Senate President is to focus on national issues, including budget and economic management, and not get sidetracked by allegations related to his former godson.

“Senator Godswill Akpabio will continue to serve the entire Akwa Ibom State and the nation without discrimination,” Enang concluded, “and will remain focused on the larger national agenda, leaving behind petty distractions from those with narrow interests.”