Why the attack on former South-South governors?, Ex-minister quarries

A former Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has criticized sensational media trials allegedly orchestrated by self-proclaimed anti-corruption crusaders aimed at extorting former South-South governors.

Addressing newsmen at his Eket residence on Sunday, Essien expressed concern over what he described as an elaborate scheme by Mr. Fejiro Oliver, Executive Director of Investigations at the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), to target high-profile politicians, including former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Essien accused Oliver of using the media to manipulate public opinion and launch unfounded accusations without tangible evidence.

“I have observed with keen interest the tradition of sensational media trials, where crusaders embark on campaigns designed to extort unsuspecting persons,” Essien said. “Mr. Fejiro Oliver, operating from the U.S. but conveniently setting up an African office in Uyo, has turned Akwa Ibom into his latest target after testing the waters with former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.”

He noted that Oliver’s strategy involved making vague allegations and later fishing for evidence to support his claims.

“When the allegations first emerged, there was no tangible evidence against Udom Emmanuel,” Essien continued. “Oliver merely resorted to a media trial, hoping that certain individuals would supply him with enough material to fabricate a petition.”

Attempt to Involve Senate President Akpabio Laughed Off

Essien described as “absurd” the attempt to implicate Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, noting that Akpabio was preoccupied with matters of national importance.

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“It is laughable to suggest that Akpabio has the time or inclination to entertain a media-driven witch hunt,” he said. “He has already faced scrutiny from anti-graft agencies and should be left out of this circus.”

Call for Objective Anti-Corruption Efforts

The former minister emphasized the need for fairness and objectivity in the fight against corruption, rejecting ethnic sentiments creeping into the discourse.

“Corruption and accountability transcend ethnic affiliations. Whether one hails from Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, or Eket, the law remains the law,” he noted.

He commended the current administration under Governor Umo Eno for fostering peace and inclusivity in Akwa Ibom, urging stakeholders to maintain harmony and cooperation for the state’s growth and development.

“Akwa Ibom has enjoyed peace and inclusive governance since May 2023. The days of fierce disagreements between successive administrations are gone,” Essien said.

He concluded by warning against opportunistic grandstanding disguised as anti-corruption campaigns.

“Public officials are subject to scrutiny by agencies like the EFCC and ICPC. If there are legitimate grounds for prosecution, due process should take its course. Until then, let us refrain from fueling baseless media trials for sensationalism,” he asserted.

Recall that NACAT had petitioned the EFCC and ICPC in January to probe Udom Emmanuel over alleged corruption and mismanagement of public funds.