Akpabio Returns To EFCC, As Court Rules On Saraki’s Appeal Tomorrow

BARELY a day after he was allowed to go home, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-invited the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, for more questioning over several allegations of corruption leveled against him.

Akpabio, who is also the incumbent minority leader of the Senate arrived the EFCC at 11.45 am yesterday, accompanied by his counsel and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Rickey Tarfa and some aides.

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal in Abuja will tomorrow decide whether or not the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) could proceed with the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki on charges of false asset declaration. The appellate court chose Monday for judgment in an appeal by Saraki, after taking arguments from parties in the case.

Both Saraki and Akpabio are crucial in the ongoing screening of ministerial nominees presented to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari for confirmation. Though 18 of the nominees have so far been cleared, remaining candidates, including former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, who has been under scrutiny for financial crime, are expected to appear at the Red Chamber on Tuesday, when the Senate will resume its session.

However, mixed reactions have continued to trail the re-invitation of Akpabio by the anti-graft agency and the arraignment of Saraki by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

Akpabio was earlier quizzed by the anti-graft agency on Friday afternoon and allowed to go home late in the night, but was asked to report to the commission the following day. On the other hand, Saraki, who was arraigned last month before the CCT on a 13-count charge of false asset declaration, is appealing the tribunal’s decision to assume jurisdiction over his trial.