In a statement released and e-signed Akwa Ibom Publicity Secretary, Hon. Nkereuwem Enyongekere, it was stated that the former governor of the state, Senator Akpabio, has no pending case at the EFCC.
According to the scribe, “We are surprised by the statement credited to Prof. Itse Sagay, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption (PACAC) that the President should not have nominated Senator Akpabio as Minister because he has a case with the EFCC.
“The APC in Akwa Ibom state wishes to state categorically that Senator Akpabio does not have any case with the EFCC or any other anti graft agency.”
He, however, confirmed that though a petition was filed against the former governor, the case has since been resolved.
“It is true that a petition was filed against the Senator at the EFCC by an Abuja-based lawyer soon after Senator Akpabio left office as our state Governor in 20I5. These cases were thoroughly investigated by the agency. The Petitioner then withdrew the Petition when he could not substantiate his allegations and the EFCC could not establish the veracity of the allegations in the petition.”
Hon. Enyongekere then claimed Prof. Sagay was wrong in his assertions. “In that case, we note that Prof. Sagay was patently wrong in his assertion about the nomination of Senator Akpabio. APC in Akwa Ibom state wishes to once again congratulate Senator Akpabio on this well deserved nomination and thank the President for choosing a capable and consummate politician and leader as his minister,” he said.
