 Nduese Essien, has urged the public to resist attempts to introduce ethnic sentiments into the ongoing investigation of former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, by anti-corruption agencies.){kind=link}
Former Minister of Lands and Housing, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Nduese Essien, has urged the public to resist attempts to introduce ethnic sentiments into the ongoing investigation of former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, by anti-corruption agencies.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Ikot Ibiok, Eket Local Government Area, Essien dismissed claims that the probe had any ethnic undertones.
He stressed that demands for accountability should be handled objectively, without bias or selective application of justice.
The investigation stems from a petition submitted by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), led by Fejiro Oliver from Delta State, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The petition alleged mismanagement of public funds during Emmanuel’s administration from 2015 to 2023.
The case has sparked controversy, with the Ibibio Leadership Summit, led by Solomon Johnny, raising concerns over the probe.
Some media aides of Governor Umo Eno and journalists from private publications have linked Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the investigation, accusing him of orchestrating the probe against his predecessor. These allegations have fueled political and ethnic tensions.
Essien, a former House of Representatives member, emphasized that the fight against corruption must not be tainted by tribal or political biases.
He stated that if accountability is truly the goal, it must be applied uniformly and without discrimination.
He maintained that corruption, accountability, and the rule of law go beyond ethnic affiliations and that, regardless of where one comes from—Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, or Eket—the law remains the law.
He urged those advocating for transparency to do so with fairness, rather than exploiting ethnic sentiments to manipulate public perception.
He stressed that public officials are naturally subject to scrutiny by agencies like the EFCC and ICPC and that if legitimate reasons exist for prosecution, due process will take its course. Until then, he called for restraint, warning against fueling baseless media trials.
He also made it clear that he would not allow his name to be dragged into the matter for sensationalism.
Reacting to claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is behind Emmanuel’s ordeal, Essien described such accusations as laughable.
He argued that Akpabio is too occupied with national responsibilities to be involved in local political rivalries. He stated that it was absurd to suggest that Akpabio was orchestrating the investigation, noting that, as the third-ranking official in the country, he is preoccupied with national matters.
He added that the idea of Akpabio having the time or interest to engage in a politically motivated witch hunt was simply illogical.
He further pointed out that Akpabio himself had faced investigations by anti-graft agencies in the past, reinforcing the point that accountability should be pursued without bias.
He also expressed disappointment that his name had been linked to claims that he was “hired” to defend Udom Emmanuel on Arise News.
Essien criticized former Senator Ita Enang for participating in what he called a media-driven controversy.
He lamented that Enang, rather than championing substantive legislative reforms against corruption, had aligned himself with what increasingly appeared to be a manufactured controversy.
As the political leader of Eket Senatorial District, Essien stressed that the era of hostility between governors and their successors in Akwa Ibom State was over.
He highlighted that since Governor Umo Eno’s administration took office on May 29, 2023, the state has enjoyed peace and steady development.