The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern challenge to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging him to submit himself for investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The allegations include budget padding and the misappropriation of funds totaling N108 billion earmarked for Akwa Ibom State and N86 billion allocated to the Federal Government during Akpabio’s tenure as Minister of Niger Delta.
Akpabio, who served as governor of Akwa Ibom State for eight years and later as Niger Delta minister under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, faces mounting pressure from the PDP. In a statement released on Friday by party spokesman Debo Ologunagba, the PDP insisted that Akpabio must address these allegations and temporarily step aside to facilitate a thorough investigation.
The PDP also criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akpabio’s current party, for attempting to thwart efforts to probe the allegations. Despite Akpabio’s defection from the PDP to the APC, the PDP maintains that the investigation into the budget padding scandal must proceed unhindered.
The allegations surfaced after Bauchi Senator Abdul Ningi disclosed that the 2024 budget contained discrepancies amounting to N3.7 trillion. Ningi’s revelation led to a suspension from the Senate for three months. Calls for Akpabio’s resignation and a comprehensive investigation into the matter have intensified, particularly from the PDP.
In response to the PDP’s demands, the APC dismissed them as baseless and described the calls for Akpabio’s resignation as “crass buffoonery.” However, the PDP countered, accusing the APC of trying to suppress scrutiny into the alleged budget manipulation.
The PDP emphasized the importance of a transparent investigation into the allegations, stressing that Nigerians deserve accountability and transparency, especially regarding public funds. The party condemned what it perceived as efforts by the APC leadership to obstruct justice and protect its interests.
Furthermore, the PDP called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the integrity of the 2024 budget by initiating an open investigation into the alleged budget discrepancies. Additionally, the party reiterated its demand for Akpabio to face investigation by the EFCC regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds during his tenures as governor and minister.
In conclusion, the PDP reiterated its commitment to upholding accountability and transparency in governance, insisting that Akpabio should step aside to allow for an impartial investigation into the allegations against him.
