By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo
The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) has announced plans to investigate both past and present administrations of Akwa Ibom State. This was disclosed by the South-South Coordinator of NACAT, Mr. Michael Ekpo, during a press conference to mark the opening of the organization’s regional office in Uyo.
Ekpo emphasized that NACAT’s anti-corruption efforts in the state would not be limited to the immediate past administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel but would also include investigations into the leadership of former Governor Godswill Akpabio and other past administrations.
Addressing concerns about allegations that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was behind NACAT’s petition against Emmanuel, Ekpo clarified, “It is not true. NACAT will investigate both present and past administrations in the state, including that of Akpabio.” He stressed that NACAT had also petitioned against former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, similarly to its actions regarding Emmanuel.
Ekpo further noted that while the petition against Emmanuel had brought NACAT significant attention in Akwa Ibom, the organization had a long history of fighting corruption and planned to continue its efforts. The establishment of the regional office in Uyo is aimed at overseeing NACAT’s activities in the South-South region.
In addition to political investigations, Ekpo disclosed that NACAT intends to monitor the expenditure of local government funds in the region. He pointed out the federal government’s decision to directly fund local governments and expressed concern about how local government officials might mismanage such funds.
“Many local government chairmen will leave office after four years without anything to show for the billions paid into their accounts,” Ekpo said, stressing the need for NACAT to act as a watchdog to protect public funds. He assured that the organization was not sponsored by any politician but was working solely for the welfare of the people.
Ekpo concluded by emphasizing the fight against corruption in the South-South region, calling it the root cause of Nigeria’s failing educational and healthcare systems, as well as the high levels of youth unemployment. “As Nigerians, we have one common enemy—corruption,” he said.
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