A group advocating for good governance, known as the Citizens Network For Peace and Development (CNPD), has expressed concern over a supposed scheme to discredit Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The coalition claims that those orchestrating this plan are trying to damage Akpabio’s standing in the Niger Delta through baseless accusations. This statement from CNPD follows comments by Rivers State leader, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, who stated that Akpabio let down the people of the Niger Delta during his time as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. Sara-Igbe voiced his disappointment with Akpabio’s performance during that period. Sara-Igbe recognized Akpabio’s achievements as governor of Akwa Ibom State but also pointed out his mismanagement of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). “The people of the Niger Delta placed their trust in Akpabio when he took on the role of governor of Akwa Ibom, and he performed very well in that position.” When he assumed the role of minister, many believed Akpabio would achieve similar success. “However, Akpabio’s leadership of the NDDC, known for its forensic audit, turned into a nightmare and was the worst thing to happen to the Niger Delta,” said Sara-Igbe. In response, the CNPD released a statement on Thursday, asserting that Sara-Igbe’s remarks were part of a coordinated effort against the Senate President. The CNPD cautioned what they termed “professional detractors” to let Akpabio focus on his legislative duties instead of trying to distract him from his goals. The Executive Director of the CNPD, Barr. Francis Okereke Wainwei stated that Akpabio deserves praise instead of criticism for the forensic audit that promoted transparency in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He urged the critics of the Senate President to be factual and constructive, emphasizing that there is a growing trend of baseless criticisms aimed at damaging the Senate President’s reputation and diminishing his popularity, particularly in the Niger Delta area. Most of the criticisms directed at him are filled with bitterness and negative political feelings. We urge all critics to avoid negativity and political biases when sharing their views on the leadership direction of His Excellency, Sen. Godswill Akpabio stated, “We are also urging Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe to conduct an impartial analysis and detailed research on Akpabio’s time as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, so he can provide a more accurate and informed account of the events during that period.” Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe should then offer a sincere apology to the Senate President for making an unfounded, false, harmful, and irresponsible statement about him. “Before Chief Akpabio became the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was merely a ‘conduit pipe’ that served the financial interests of a select few, rather than fulfilling its mission of developing the Niger Delta communities.”
