Akpabio denies ownership of foreign accounts

Senator Godswill Akpabio, Minority Leader of the Nigeria Senate, on Friday denied reports in the social media alleging he made an attempt to withdraw money from his foreign accounts.

Senator Akpabio

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Anietie Ekong, said the senator did not own any foreign accounts.

The social media was awash with news of an alleged foiled attempt by the Senator to withdraw US$7.2 dollars from his foreign accounts in Dubai.

“The attention of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio has been drawn to a report circulated in the internet linking him with ownership of houses/mansions in Dubai.

“ We state categorically that Senator Akpabio does not own any foreign account in any part of the world.

“If such account is found, the Federal Government of Nigeria should seize the money and investigate the origin of such account, and prosecute the owner.

“In addition, he does not own any property in Dubai or in any foreign country.

“Akpabio served his people diligently for eight years as the governor and the transformation of the State within this period, which has gained world acclaim, is there for all to see,” it said.

The statement said that two foreign groups “Wikileaks” and The Global Peace Movement Group, UK had in 2010 cleared Akpabio of having any foreign account while he was governor.

It accused the opposition in Akwa Ibom of masterminding the reports of quest to withdraw money from his foreign account.

“That some people out of political mischief should publish a purported attempt by the senator to withdraw through a CBN source a phantom sum of 7.2 billion dollars is ridiculous.

“It is the height of character assassination. We challenge these purveyors of falsehood to publish the full details of the purported US$7.2 billion account.

“We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to seize such sum and prosecute the owner if it does exist,” it said.