Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has denied allegations that he bribed the chairman and members of the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal in Akwa Ibom State.
Reports had suggested that the former Akwa Ibom governor bribed the judges to win their favour in his battle to reclaim Akwa Ibom Northwest senatorial seat from Senator Chris Ekpenyong.
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In a statement on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio said he was shocked by the allegation, adding that he only wants to get ‘justice’ since he no longer needed the Senate seat now that he has been appointed a minister.
The statement said: “Senator Akpabio is shocked by the spurious allegation made by the Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, Barrister Uwemedimo Nwoko, in a rejoinder to the said article, alleging that he ‘succumbed to blackmail and handsomely paid Barrister Leo Ekpenyong to recapitulate.’
“The fact is that Ekpenyong withdrew the petitions against Senator Akpabio voluntarily when his clients made a volte-face and could not substantiate their claims as contained in Ekpenyong’s affidavit which he swore to before a court of law as evidence of voluntary withdrawal of those false petitions.
“Moreover, Ekpenyong’s client as mentioned in the stated affidavit is linked to the current Government of Akwa Ibom State and its officials.
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“As an elder statesman, a serving Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, a former Minority Leader of the Nigerian Senate and a former boss to Barrister Nwoko, decorum demands that he accords Senator Akpabio some respect. The Attorney General should substantiate his wild allegation or offer an unreserved apology to Senator Akpabio.”
The minister cautioned ‘paid’ agents of the State Government to allow the judges to dispense justice without fear or favour.
