Senator Godswill Akpabio, a former governor and current minister in Nigeria, finds himself embroiled in controversy after allegations surfaced regarding his former aide, Udom Inoyo. The accusation centers on an alleged request for a N700 million payment from a United States (US) agency overseeing humanitarian aid.
According to reports, a leaked document purportedly shows Inoyo, who served as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Interim Administrator during Akpabio’s tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, soliciting the N700 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The document, if authentic, suggests Inoyo requested the hefty sum to facilitate the smooth execution of a “humanitarian intervention program” in the Niger Delta region. This has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the NDDC.
The NDDC has been plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the past. These accusations were a major factor in the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari upon assuming office in 2015.
While Senator Akpabio has distanced himself from the alleged request, calling it “a fabricated document”, the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has seized upon the controversy. The PDP is calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, as reported by Premium Times Nigeria: [invalid URL removed].
This incident underscores the need for robust anti-corruption measures within Nigerian government agencies, particularly those entrusted with managing significant financial resources. The NDDC plays a crucial role in developing the Niger Delta region, and any allegations of misuse of funds must be investigated swiftly and transparently.
Transparency International Nigeria has long advocated for stricter measures to combat corruption in the country. The organization emphasizes the importance of holding public officials accountable and ensuring that allocated funds are used effectively for their intended purposes.
While the authenticity of the leaked document remains unverified, the controversy surrounding the alleged request highlights the critical need for increased transparency and accountability within the NDDC and other government institutions in Nigeria. A full investigation is essential to clear the air and restore public trust. Nigerians deserve to know that resources intended to benefit the Niger Delta are being used effectively and ethically.
This story is likely to continue developing as further details emerge and the investigation progresses.