The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom has reacted to the controversies trailing the nomination of Senator Godswill Akpabio as Minister by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Igbere TV reports that Prof. Itse Sagay, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption (PACAC), had said that President Buhari was wrong to have nominated Akpabio over alleged corruption charges against the former governor.
President Muhammadu Buhari had submitted a list of 43 ministerial nominees, which was read at the Senate plenary on Tuesday.
Reacting to the comments by PACAC boss, the APC in a statement sent to Igbere TV by the Publicity Secretary, Nkereuwem Enyongekere, said Senator Akpabio had no case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
While admitting that a case was initiated against the former Akwa Ibom governor, the party, however, noted that the petitioner had withdrawn the case due to lack of merit.
Full Statement,
“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.
“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. 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.”
