Akwa Ibom Gov Denies Involvement in ₦700bn Fraud Allegations Against Udom

The Akwa Ibom State Government has distanced itself from the ₦700bn fraud allegations leveled against former Governor Udom Emmanuel, stating it has no connection to the claims.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has clarified that the state government is not involved in a ₦700 billion fraud allegation directed at his immediate predecessor, Udom Emmanuel. This accusation was made by the Network against Corruption and Trafficking and is currently under investigation by the anti-graft agency EFCC.

“I have no idea where they’re getting those numbers because they certainly aren’t from Akwa Ibom State or us—we don’t possess such figures,” Eno stated during a town hall meeting in the Abak area of the state on Saturday.

The governor from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized what he referred to as the unfair criticism of former governors of the oil-rich South-South state since democracy was restored in 1999.

Eno remarked that she has started to perceive the way we treat our leaders after they have dedicated themselves fully to serve as potentially very discouraging.

“We have consistently acted this way, starting from Obong Attah. We even criticized the distinguished Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and involved the EFCC. Currently, we are doing the same to Governor Udom Emmanuel.”

The governor stated that investigating leaders for fraud after they have effectively served the public could deter current officeholders from performing their best while in service.

“I’m already anticipating that it will happen to me, but the effect of this is a discouragement in leadership. It dissuades you from giving your best and makes one hesitant to overexert oneself because ultimately, people don’t express their gratitude,” he said.

A man who has served his state meritoriously, like Governor Udom Emmanuel did, truly deserves honor and respect.

“I believe this kind of vilification is both incorrect and unnecessary, and it should not continue.”

“It’s neither accurate nor true, and we should take it with a grain of salt,” he added.

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Emmanuel in connection with an alleged ₦700 billion fraud.

This came after the petitioner accused Emmanuel from PDP, who served as Akwa Ibom State governor between May 2015 and May 2023, of money laundering and misappropriation of funds.

The petitioner claimed that over eight years, Emmanuel received ₦3 trillion from the Federation Account but left behind a debt of ₦500 billion and unfinished projects valued at ₦300 billion. Additionally, it was alleged that he could not account for ₦700 billion.