Ex-governor Akpabio Speaks Up, Denies EFCC’s Arrest

Godswill Akpabio

Senator Godswill Akpabio, the former governor of Akwa Ibom state, has denied the news that filtered in on Friday, October 16, over his alleged apprehension by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former governor who is also the Senate minority leader after several hours of questioning by the anti-crime commission explained why he was interrogated by operatives of the anti-graft commission on Friday night, Premium Times reports.


Senator Akpabio admitted that he was summoned by the anti-graft body to respond to several allegations of corruption against him stressing that he was not arrested but only honoured the commission’s invitation on his own free will.

He said: “A young lawyer from my state has been petitioning the EFCC accusing me of corruption,” the former governor said. “So shortly before I got involved in an accident in August, the EFCC summoned me to come and respond to the allegations.
“But following the accident, I wasn’t well enough to honour the EFCC summon. And I let them know.
“So today, since I’m now well, and the Senate did not sit, I decided to honour the EFCC so as to answer questions concerning the allegations against me.
“I wasn’t arrested. I walked in there myself and now I’m back at home. The EFCC operatives were professional. They asked questions, and I answered.”
There had been a petition forwarded to the ant-graft commission and President Muhammadu buhari in June by an Abuja-based lawyer and activist, Leo Ekpenyong, over an alleged theft of N108.1billion of Akwa Ibom funds where the senator was a governor.
As a result of the petition, the crimes commission had swung into action to investigate the matter.

But the Senate minority leader took a firm stand that the allegations against him by the lawyer were false.
He added that those making the allegations do not understand how government works.
Ex-governor Akpabio disclosed that Ekpenyong submitted at least four different petitions and that it would take a while for him to respond to each of the allegations.
The senator said: “So I will return to the EFCC again as necessary.
“I am a law-abiding citizen, and whenever I’m summoned to answer questions about how I served my people, I will always respond.
“I urge everyone who has served in public office not to be afraid to explain what they did and how they served.”
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom government has sent a strong warning to corrupt politicians and looters of African resources that UK will no longer be safe havens for them.

Source: Naij.com