CALABAR – The Cross River State Good Governance and Transparency Initiative (CRSGGTI) has issued a strongly worded assertion condemning the actions of Mr Godwin Akpama, the Particular Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Intelligence. The group accused Mr Akpama of gross misconduct, together with blackmail, extortion, misuse of workplace, and undermining the rules of fine governance within the state.
Within the assertion signed by Comrade Justine Asuquo (Coordinator), Comrade Ibor I. Ibor (Secretary), and Comrade Abang O. Abang (Publicity Secretary), the group expressed issues that Mr Akpama has allegedly been performing past the boundaries of his workplace. They declare that his actions are characterised by conceitedness and a scarcity of accountability, suggesting that he might not absolutely perceive the tasks of his place.
The assertion highlighted a number of key accusations in opposition to Mr Akpama, alleging that he:
Makes use of his place to blackmail and extort political colleagues, public workplace holders, and personal entities.
Exploits his intelligence-gathering function for private monetary acquire by soliciting bribes and fabricating reviews.
Engages in actions that create divisions and foster animosity amongst public officers and neighborhood stakeholders.
Discloses confidential authorities paperwork to unauthorised people and makes use of such data to focus on perceived opponents.
The CRSGGTI particularly cited situations through the current native authorities elections in Cross River State the place Mr Akpama allegedly collected cash from aspirants beneath the guise of writing beneficial intelligence reviews to the governor. These actions, they declare, have been carried out with out the data or approval of Governor Bassey Otu.
Moreover, the group accused Mr Akpama of meddling in native and company affairs, citing his alleged involvement within the operations of Chinese language corporations in Okuni, Ikom Native Authorities Space. Group leaders have reportedly accused him of siding with the businesses in opposition to the local people in alternate for financial rewards.
A significant level of competition raised within the assertion is Mr Akpama’s alleged function within the Ugep generator controversy. The CRSGGTI claimed that Mr Akpama has taken a private curiosity within the matter, bypassing his official function of offering intelligence to the governor. As a substitute, he’s accused of leaking paperwork, blackmailing officers, and waging a media marketing campaign in opposition to sure authorities appointees.
“Quite than examine and report back to his principal, Akpama has change into an get together… harassing and blackmailing high authorities officers related with the turbines matter,” the assertion learn. The group alleged that even after police investigations cleared the people concerned, Mr Akpama persevered in his makes an attempt to implicate them.
The CRSGGTI known as on Mr Akpama to desist from utilizing his place to additional private pursuits and to give attention to advising the governor on urgent safety points. They urged him to stick to the tenets of his workplace and keep the confidentiality of intelligence reviews.
The group warned that it might demand his elimination from workplace if he continues to misuse his place. “We will not hesitate to press for his elimination if he continues to make use of his workplace to harass his fellow appointees or extort cash from anyone,” the assertion learn.
The group additionally appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to intervene and be sure that Mr Akpama’s workplace operates in a way that aligns with the rules of fine governance. They emphasised the significance of integrity and professionalism within the workplace of the Particular Adviser on Intelligence, significantly given its crucial function in tackling the state’s safety challenges.
The allegations in opposition to Mr Akpama have sparked blended reactions inside Cross River State. Whereas some residents have expressed help for the CRSGGTI’s stance, others are calling for a radical investigation into the claims.
Efforts to succeed in Mr Akpama for feedback on the allegations have been unsuccessful as of press time, nevertheless, Converseer gathered that the SA had earlier granted interview to the press, accusing a number of high authorities officers of misconduct.
This improvement provides to the rising debate about accountability amongst public officers in Cross River State, significantly beneath the administration of Governor Bassey Otu. Observers are keenly watching how the federal government will handle these critical allegations, which may have far-reaching implications for governance within the state.
