Antigraft crusaders targeting South-South ex-govs for extortion, says Essien

Former Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has criticised sensational media trials allegedly orchestrated by self-proclaimed anti-corruption crusaders aimed at extorting former South-South governors.

He urged that any corruption probe in Nigeria must be conducted holistically—free from ethnic or political bias—and stressed the need for fairness and objectivity in the fight against corruption, rejecting the ethnic sentiments creeping into the discourse.

Essien, who spoke with the press in Eket, his country home, expressed concern over what he described as an elaborate scheme by Mr Fejiro Oliver, Executive Director of Investigations at the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), to target high-profile politicians, including former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He levelled a stern rebuke at the NACAT, accusing the group of conducting “sensational” and “arranged” media trials against Emmanuel.

Essien singled out Oliver, whose so-called anti-corruption enterprise—based in the United States with a newly established office in Uyo as of February 3, 2025—has been particularly active in targeting oil-rich states.

Essien maintained that the drama in the long-standing tradition of sensational media trials, where self-proclaimed crusaders embark on arranged campaigns, luring unsuspecting persons into what ultimately amounts to an elaborate extortion scheme, is worrisome.

The former minister insisted that Oliver is using the media to manipulate public opinion and launch unfounded accusations without tangible evidence.

Essien also dismissed attempts to implicate Senate President Godswill Akpabio in these media trials.

He said, “As the third-ranking political figure in the country, Senator Akpabio is preoccupied with matters of national importance.

“Accountability is fundamental, but it must be pursued through legitimate channels. Justice is not served by reckless declarations of guilt in the media to advance a particular agenda. I have observed with keen interest the tradition of sensational media trials, where crusaders embark on campaigns designed to extort unsuspecting persons.”

“Mr. Fejiro Oliver, operating from the U.S. but conveniently setting up an African office in Uyo, has turned Akwa Ibom into his latest target after testing the waters with former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.”

He concluded by warning against opportunistic grandstanding disguised as anti-corruption campaigns.

Essien’s comments come amid heightened calls for a corruption probe that is both comprehensive and free from partisan influences, as Nigerians continue to demand greater transparency and accountability in public office.