The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of significant corruption involving the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, his family, and government officials.

In response, Emmanuel’s spokesperson, Stephen Abia, dismissed the accusations as baseless blackmail, asserting that the claims had no merit.

According to NACAT’s petition, which was shared with JOINTEARN, the former governor is accused of diverting over N1.5 trillion, engaging in money laundering, and embezzling funds. The organization expressed concern that the scale of corruption during Emmanuel’s tenure would lead Nigerians to despair about the nation’s future.

The group stated that its thorough investigation and audit of the state’s financial records revealed troubling findings, which were presented at a press conference in Abuja. The petition, signed by Fejiro Oliver Tega Oghenedoro (Executive Director, Investigation), Stanley Ugabe (Operations Manager), Michael Ekpo (For Akwa Ibomites), and Victor Thompson, highlighted the following allegations:

• Emmanuel and his family were accused of diverting funds and accumulating vast amounts of property.
• Despite over N3 trillion flowing into Akwa Ibom’s coffers during Emmanuel’s eight-year tenure, a staggering N700 billion remains unaccounted for.
• Emmanuel allegedly borrowed over N500 billion and left numerous abandoned projects across the state.

NACAT further claimed that the so-called security votes were not allocated to security forces but were instead misused for personal gain, citing specific examples from 2018. The group also intends to submit additional years’ records from 2015 to the EFCC.

In response to these claims, Abia emphasized Emmanuel’s integrity, stating, “The former governor is a man of high integrity who addressed major security challenges and implemented strategies to improve the state.” He dismissed NACAT’s petition as mere blackmail, stressing that Emmanuel’s record is one of accountability and respect among the people of Akwa Ibom.

Abia also questioned the credibility of the “faceless” group behind the allegations, asserting that the petitions to the EFCC and ICPC would have no effect, as Emmanuel remains a man of integrity.