A coalition of ex-militants under the aegis of the National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDEA has called on the federal government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to immediately arrest, investigate and sack the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Godswill Akpabio, for misleading President Muhammadu Buhari, into appointing an Interim administration for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in lieu of the statutorily acceptable board for the intervention agency.
The national Coordinator of the NCNDEA, Eshanekpe Israel, a.k.a Akpodoro made the call in Ughelli Delta State , Thursday while reacting to the suspension by a Federal High Court sitting at Abuja which suspended the Interim Management Committee, IMC, of the NDDC led by Professor Pondei recently. Akpodoro wondered why the EFCC has not swung into action since the order was made saying it was important that the anti graft agency arrests Akpabio if only to show to the world that the war against corruption is still alive.
The action of the former governor according to the former warrior was aching to the suspension of the constitution which he noted was a coup plot against constitutional provisions adding that not only should the President swear-in the Pius Odubu and Bernard Okumagba led screened management board but that all the accomplices in the looting of the NDDC must be brought to book.
The Urhobo-born who doubles as the Coordinator of the Urhobo Youth Forum for Change, UYFC expressed regret over the delayed inauguration of the Odubu board noting that it was a very wrong precedent for the President to have unconditionally inaugurated an IMC at the instance of a politician in the would of Akpabio whose activities remain shrouded in suspicion of graft.
Akpodoro wants the all past members of the management board to be probed and punished if anyone is found culpable adding that billions of naira have gone under drain in the intervention agency owing to wanton corruption.
“We heard the revelations from Joi Nunie who allegedly fell out with Akpabio due to corrupt tendencies and till date, nothing has been done to Akpabio. Is Godswill Akpabio above the law of our country? President shouldn’t confirm the fears of Nigerians that the war on corruption is selective.” He stated.
The EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, and SFU and other anti graft agencies should roll out their arsenals to curb the damaging corruption in NDDC by immediately reining accomplices.
Specifically, Akpodoro wants the ICPC to obey the order of the Abuja Federal High Court which directs that the former governor be investigated and possibly brought to justice. He noted that nobody was bigger than the law of the land.
The prominent ex-militant leader warned that on no account should the tenure of the IMC extended by President Buhari except he wants to finally set the region of fire.
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