Ex-Akwa Ibom governor clears EFCC inquiry without detention

Former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has returned home following a voluntary engagement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his media team confirmed on Wednesday.

The ex-governor, who left office in May 2023, honoured the anti-graft agency’s invitation “without hesitation,” according to spokesperson Stephen Abia, who dismissed speculation of detention as “baseless sensationalism.”

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In a detailed statement, Abia framed the summons as routine, stressing that “an invitation is not a conviction” and criticising “politically motivated narratives” seeking to tarnish Emmanuel’s legacy.

“Mr Emmanuel departed the EFCC headquarters yesterday evening, discharged without conditions,” he clarified. “As a statesman, he remains open to lawful interactions—transparency fears no scrutiny.”

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The inquiry’s specifics remain undisclosed, but Abia leveraged the platform to tout Emmanuel’s eight-year tenure, highlighting his stewardship during dual crises: the 2015 oil price collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under his leadership, Akwa Ibom reportedly achieved Nigeria’s “best road network” among sub-nationals and launched Ibom Air, now lauded as one of Nigeria’s premier airlines.

“Despite global economic headwinds, his administration delivered infrastructural expansion, published budgets publicly, and earned bipartisan acclaim,” Abia noted, referencing the national honour (CON) bestowed by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.