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An coalition of good governance advocates, Citizens Network For Peace and Development (CNPD), has raised concerns over an alleged conspiracy to tarnish the reputation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The group accused detractors of attempting to undermine Akpabio’s standing in the Niger Delta through unfounded allegations.
The CNPD’s statement followed remarks by Rivers State statesman Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, who expressed disappointment in Akpabio’s tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. While acknowledging Akpabio’s achievements as governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sara-Igbe criticized his handling of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), labeling it a “nightmare” for the region.
Sara-Igbe stated, “The people of Niger Delta trusted Akpabio when he became governor of Akwa Ibom, and he did a very good job with Akwa Ibom. When he became minister, everybody thought Akpabio would do the same feat as a minister. But unfortunately, Akpabio led NDDC, which they call the forensic audit, and it became the nightmare and the worst that happened to the Niger Delta.”
Responding to these allegations, CNPD issued a statement on Thursday, dismissing Sara-Igbe’s comments as part of an orchestrated smear campaign. The coalition described the criticisms as baseless and politically motivated.
Barrister Francis Okereke Wainwei, Executive Director of CNPD, defended Akpabio’s leadership, particularly his role in conducting a forensic audit of the NDDC. According to Wainwei, the audit brought much-needed transparency and accountability to the commission.
“This call is premised on the fact that there is the emergence of a new trend of frivolous criticisms orchestrated to tarnish the image of the Senate President and reduce his popularity, especially in the Niger Delta region,” the statement read. “We are calling on all such critics to eschew bitterness and political sentiments while expressing their opinions concerning the leadership trajectory of His Excellency, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.”
The CNPD urged Chief Sara-Igbe to conduct a more objective analysis of Akpabio’s tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and issue an apology for what it termed “unfounded, spurious, malicious, and reckless” statements.
The coalition emphasized that before Akpabio’s appointment, the NDDC served as a “conduit pipe” for the financial interests of a few individuals, rather than fulfilling its mandate to develop Niger Delta communities. Wainwei credited Akpabio’s transformational leadership for the progress and success currently evident at the NDDC.
Condemning the alleged campaign of falsehoods, CNPD warned detractors to desist from actions aimed at distracting the Senate President. “It is unfortunate that the ‘stock in trade’ of some persons is to try to pull down political leaders by ‘casting aspersions’ and spreading falsehoods against such leaders,” the statement added. “The activities of such persons have the capacity to distract and slow down the efficiency and productivity of our leaders, which can negatively impact public governance and development in the country.”
The coalition’s strong defense of Akpabio highlights the growing tension surrounding his leadership and underscores the need for constructive dialogue on issues affecting the Niger Delta.
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