The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has vowed to use the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other federal agencies to retrieve all funds allegedly looted from the state treasury in the past eight and a half years by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Engr Ita Awak, while fielding questions on a radio programme Wednesday, alleged that “the money laundering, abuse of office and public trust allegations against Col. Dasuki, the immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA) is child’s play compared to what happened in Akwa Ibom state in the eight years regime of Akpabio”.
He stated that when the APC takes over power, it will ensure that every kobo that was stolen from the state’s treasury is returned.
He assured that the party will ensure that anti corruption agencies trace all funds that were laundered and that same are returned while those who looted the state will be arrested and punished.
The APC insisted that for eight years, local government areas were deprived of funds.
Awak said because of the oil boom during that period, N100 million was allocated to each local government, but that they never received the money.
“All these monies were kidnapped and the local governments have nothing to show for the allocation. If Adam were to come back, he will recognise Mbo and Uruan LGA’s because nothing has changed. The APC has come with a paradigm shift. Local government funds under the incoming government with Umana Umana as the leader will go directly to the local government “, he said.
The party chieftain described the Appeal Court judgement that nullified the April 11, 2015 governorship election in the state as “God’s pathway to liberate the state and it’s people” and called on Akwa Ibom people to rise and take their destiny in their hands by voting out the PDP government during the forthcoming rerun election.
He described the Akwa Ibom governorship election as the most fraudulent election ever held in the history of the state.
“It is blasphemous for anyone to call such an election a divine mandate when the election was scandalously flawed and stained with the blood of innocent Akwa Ibom people”, he said.
On the planned reception of the APC governorship flag bearer by Akwa Ibom people prayer submit slated for Friday, January 8, 2016, Chief Awak said the event is aimed at receiving Umana Umana whom he described as the spear bearer of the struggle to liberate the state.
He said they will also use the opportunity to thank God for His blessings.
“The prayer summit is to thank God for the wonderful blessing of the 2015 Appeal Court judgement that gave justice to Akwa Ibom people. Akwa Ibom people want to use the APC prayer summit to come out to bless God and thank Him for the victory which wiped the tears of the fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who lost their loved ones during the April election.
He described Umana Umana as “the authentic leader of Akwa Ibom people. He is not tied to the apron of anybody but rather represents the collective struggle against servitude”.
He said the party is optimistic that the Supreme Court will uphold the judgement of the Appeal Court.
He said the Friday reception and prayer submit will also witness the formal defection of some PDP members to the APC.
According to Awak, those ready to dump the PDP for the APC on Friday include former member of the House of Representatives, Eseme Eyiboh, former governorship aspirant; Larry Esin, former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Mr. Ignatius Edet, former chairman of Uyo LGA; Mr. Ekerette Ekpeyong, former chairman of Ibesikpo LGA; Bishop Ekpe James, former chairman of Itu LGA; Mac Joe among others.
Awak said ” the massive defection of Akwa Ibom people from the PDP to the APC is an indication that people of the state are ready for change.”
“Victory for the APC in the rerun is imminent. The people are saying enough is enough of servitude and internal slavery. The current defection of people from PDP to APC is only a tip of the iceberg. More mass defection will come after the Supreme Court judgement. For eight years PDP used hunger as an instrument of control. PDP was not a democratic party”, he said.
On whether the APC will fulfill it’s campaign promise of paying Akwa Ibom students an annual bursary of N50,000 annually, the party’s spokesperson answered in the affirmative.
Asked if Umana Umana will complete all ongoing project as Governor, Awak promised that all major projects dating back to that Attah administration that have positive impact on the lives of the people will be completed but regretted that seven months after Udom came into office as caretaker Governor, “no single project has been executed”.
“Udom has received over N100 billion since coming into office yet nothing to show for it. Any serious government should have a serious project to show in three months. Akwa Ibom people, rise up and utilize this opportunity providence has provided us through the forthcoming rerun and liberate yourselves”, he added.