Former Governor arrested by EFCC operatives over alleged fraud while in office
Former Governor arrested by EFCC operatives over alleged fraud while in office
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, for alleged N700 billion Fraud.
Emmanuel was arrested after he honoured an invitation of the EFCC on Tuesday to answer allegations of money laundering and diversion of funds preferred against him by the Network against Corruption and Trafficking.
The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account in eight years but left a debt profile of N500bn and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300bn. He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700bn.
The EFCC’s investigations are ongoing with Emmanuel being grilled by operatives.
Emmanuel served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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Following the submission, Senate President Akpabio raised concerns about any legal obstacles to accepting the petition. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan assured him that there were no such impediments.
At precisely 12:38 PM, Akpabio instructed her to formally present the petition before the Senate.
The petition was then referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with a directive to report back to the plenary within four weeks after conducting a thorough legislative review.
This new petition follows a similar one submitted by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the day before, which had ignited controversy.
During the previous session, Senate Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) raised a point of order under Senate Standing Order 40, arguing that the petition could not be entertained due to an ongoing court case involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of Senate President Akpabio.
Monguno also contended that the petition was invalid because Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it.
As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed the petition, declaring it “dead on arrival.”
This latest development adds to the growing tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.
Last Thursday, a heated confrontation took place in the Senate chamber when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned by Akpabio.
She immediately demanded an explanation for what she saw as an unjustified action, further intensifying the ongoing dispute.
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Senator begs Coleagues seeks three-month suspension for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator begs Coleagues seeks three-month suspension for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro has appealed for a reduction in the proposed suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from six months to three months.
Speaking during plenary on Thursday, Moro acknowledged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had violated Senate rules but urged his colleagues to temper justice with mercy.
Earlier, Senator Imasuen had described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as frivolous and dismissed her claims that Akpabio had been silencing her voice in the chamber.
Key Recommendations from the Senate Committee:
A six-month suspension from all legislative activities, effective March 6, 2025.
Immediate surrender of all Senate properties in her possession.
A directive barring her from the legislative chamber throughout the suspension period. And others.
This development follows a heated confrontation in the Senate last Thursday when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. She arrived at the session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, prompting her to demand an explanation for what she viewed as an unjustified move.
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You can’t defeat President Tinubu in 2027 election – Bode George tells Peter Obi gives reason
You can’t defeat President Tinubu in 2027 election – Bode George tells Peter Obi gives reason
Peter Obi, the former Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has no chance of defeating Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections without the PDP’s backing, according to former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George.
George maintained that the Labour Party does not have the national infrastructure required to successfully oppose the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He emphasized that, as long as the party leadership adheres to the values of justice, equity, and fairness, only the PDP has the power, base support, and reach necessary to defeat the APC and win in 2027.
“I have nothing personal against Obi. He is from the South, but the fact remains that the Labour Party does not have the national structure to match Tinubu and the APC in 2027,” George stated. “The only party with the depth, support base, and capacity to defeat the APC is the PDP. And while some may think Tinubu’s re-election will be smooth sailing, I believe he can be defeated in 2027, but this can only happen if the PDP leadership ensures fairness, justice, and equity within the party.”
George also made an impassioned plea to Nyesom Wike, urging the Rivers State Governor to reconsider his opposition to the PDP and work together to help rebuild the nation.
Furthermore, he took aim at the Federal Government’s increasing interference in state politics, warning that such actions could exacerbate national insecurity if left unchecked.