I Am Shocked!..Akpabio Speaks On Allegation Doling Out Bribe To Chairman, Members Of Election Tribunal In Senatorial Dispute Case

The Minister if Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio says he is shocked over allegation of bribing the Chairman and Members of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio is accused of doling out the bribe to ensure victory in his battle to reclaim Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial Seat from incumbent Chris Ekpenyong.

Akpabio reacts to the allegation via a statement issued by his media aide, Aniete Ekong which reads…

“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.

“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.”