In response to the ongoing false accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, let’s break down and address these claims with clarity and factual integrity.
To start with, the idea that funds from the Federal Government’s 2024 budget could be diverted to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of Nigeria’s budgeting process, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the Nigerian public.
The NDDC operates with its own separate budget, totaling N1.83 trillion for 2024, which was passed independently in June. Of this, N243.1 billion is allocated to Akwa Ibom State, which ranks second in revenue allocation among states based on its percentage of total oil production. This allocation reflects Akwa Ibom’s significant contributions to the nation’s oil revenue, rather than any influence by individual lawmakers. To suggest that the Senate President could redirect Federal Government funds to the NDDC or favor Akwa Ibom is not only procedurally impossible but is also mischievous and disregarding of the region’s contribution to developmental funding.
Moving on to the claims regarding the Zonal Intervention Project Funds (ZIPF) allocations for lawmakers: accusations that Senate President Akpabio diverted these funds are also patently false.
Lawmakers receive funds based on set allocations, and these are disbursed through established, transparent protocols. If there were discrepancies, there would be documented financial reports to show them, yet none have surfaced because these so called discrepancies are a figment of the writers imagination.
The notion that a substantial portion of the Senate is ready to back Akpabio’s impeachment adds another layer to this fabricated narrative. The report claims that 78 senators are prepared to support such a move is false, and in line with the rest of the article is frankly laughable.
In reality, the relationship between President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio has been one of mutual respect and cooperation, particularly in an era where the Executive and Legislative branches must work in concert for Nigeria’s progress.
Lastly, let’s consider the sources and motives driving these allegations. All we see are unnamed “insiders” fueling claims without evidence. Such anonymous sources fail to offer any concrete support for these false allegations, reinforcing the impression of a deliberate smear campaign rather than legitimate scrutiny.
In the end, these accusations are patently false, leaning on procedural misunderstandings, outright mischief, and speculative narratives. This pattern is consistent with past attempts to tarnish Senate President Akpabio’s reputation, and it’s clear these claims are more about creating division than presenting any verifiable truth. It is obvious that this article is the latest version of a series of efforts, by faceless individuals who prioritise politics over national development, with the aim to cause disaffection between the Legislature and the President Bola Ahmed led executive. They will continue to fail in their devious attempts to sew disunity, confusion and anarchy in our beloved Nation.
Ibrahim Kabiru
Writing for Informed Nigerians.
