Don’t Use Me As Example In Your Anti-Corruption Fight – Akpabio Tells EFCC Chair

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday told the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, not to use him as an example in the anti-corruption fight.

Olukoyede, who appeared before the Senate for screening on Wednesday, had cited Akpabio’s name as an example in his presentation on investigating a graft case.

The chairman of the anti-graft agency, however, stopped when he realised the mood of lawmakers in the Chamber.

Olukoyede said, “If we are investigating the Senate President for example,” prompting lawmakers to burst into laughter.

The laughter became louder when Akpabio told the EFCC nominee not to cite his name as an example in the investigation of a corruption case.

Akpabio said, “I’m very glad that the nominee wants to use the Senate President as an example. But Mr nominee, leave the Senate President for now, look at this direction (pointing at the seats of opposition lawmakers).”

Olukoyede, after the loud laughter, continued his speech without mentioning anyone’s name, saying, “If you are fighting corruption, you become the enemy of everybody.”

Akpabio has a N108.1 billion alleged theft of funds case before the anti-graft agency.

The commission commenced an investigation of the former Akwa Ibom governor after a petition by an Abuja-based lawyer and activist, Leo Ekpenyong.

The EFCC had detained Akpabio over alleged fraud, but he has consistently maintained innocence.