In response to Senator Godswill Akpabio’s recent criticism of former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, the Arewa Youths Forum (AYF) has lashed out, alleging that Akpabio’s actions are merely a ploy to deflect attention from his own ongoing case with the EFCC.
According to AYF’s Acting National Secretary, Isa Dangaziya, individuals like Akpabio, with alleged corruption baggage, should be facing legal consequences rather than pointing fingers at others.
The Arewa Youths condemned Akpabio’s audacity to blame Emefiele for the nation’s woes, citing Akpabio’s own history of corruption allegations, including a reported N40 billion fraud case involving the Niger Delta Development Commission and an N86 billion contract scandal.
Despite Akpabio’s past brushes with the law, the AYF expressed disbelief at his attempt to portray himself as a moral authority, especially considering his recent affiliation with the ruling APC.
The group emphasized that Akpabio’s remarks serve as a classic case of “the pot calling the kettle black,” highlighting the need for accountability and justice in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
The group’s statement partly reads, “We received with rude shock, the comments attributed to Akpabio attributing the current economic hardship and hunger in Nigeria 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 dismay and surprise, the Senate President was reportedly spewing 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.
“Just remind Nigerians, 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.
“There were allegations of an N40 billion fraud perpetrated in the Niger Delta Development Commission, a parastatal under the ministry superintended by Akpabio for three years.
“Also, there were allegations of over N86 billion contract scams involving him and a former Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, which the EFCC had been investigating.”
