A Group, Arewa Youths Forum (AYF) has tongue-lashed the senate president, Godswill Akpabio for attacking the embattled former Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
The group described the attacks as mere attempts to divert attention from his cases before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The regional youth body stated this, in a reaction to comments ascribed to Akpabio, that the President Bola Tinubu administration does not know what crime to charge Emefiele with before the court.
The Forum said in a statement signed by Isa Dangaziya, its Acting National Secretary, that in more civilized societies, those with a history of corruption, such as the previous governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, would be imprisoned or would have fled to avoid public humiliation.
The Arewa Youths wondered why individuals such as Akpabio, who allegedly plundered the common patrimony of Akwa Ibom and even the nation while holding the position of Minister of Niger Delta Affairs might dare to shift the blame for the country’s misfortune to others, despite the damning corruption cases against him at the anti-graft agency.
They advised the senate president to hide himself in shame as his “sins have been forgiven since joining APC.” Or, as Adams Oshiomhole had said some years back, “allow Emefiele breath in the words of President Tinubu” by not using him to further curry favour and appear sanctimonious as many Nigerians are already aware of his (Akpabio) corrupt status.
The group however added: “We received with rude shock the comments attributed to Akpabio saying that the current economic hardship and hunger in Nigeria are due to the actions and policies implemented during Emefiele’s tenure at the apex bank when, in essence, he is one of those who milked and is still milking Nigeria dry and they are walking freely despite humongous corruption allegations.
“To our utter surprise, the Senate President was alleged to be pouring out these lies in an update of a church programme posted by Channels Television on its X handle on Sunday – in the sight of God to show how people like him have sold their conscience.
“Let’s Just remind Nigerians that as recent as April last year, it was widely reported in the media that the EFCC invited Akpabio for interrogation over an investigation concerning corruption allegations against him.” the group stated.
The group further alleged that there were allegations of N40 billion fraud committed in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC), a parastatal under the ministry manned by Akpabio for three years.
