By Abiola Olawale
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has debunked allegations that the Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio bribed him over the appointment of Sole Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
He described the allegations as fictitious and malicious.
The AGF released a statement on Friday following accusations that he received bribe over the appointment of Mr Effiong Akwa as the Sole Administrator for the NDDC.
The statement which was issued by Dr Umar Gwandu, the Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations to Malami said the AGF didn’t receive any bribe and he will not receive any bribe.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami(SAN), has been drawn to fictitious and malicious publications alleged by mischief makers claiming that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Godswill Akpabio offered him gratification in respect of the appointment of a Sole Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission. The report, as any fake news, was marred by evincing contradictions, figment of imagination, sheer fabrications and filthy assumptions of mischief makers and detractors.
“Any discerning mind who read the story will not fail to note the desperate attempt to cast aspersion on the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and dent his hard earned reputation with unsubstantiated allegations spread by perfidious elements. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN hereby make an outright denial of the report in its entirety. The Minister has not collected and does not intend at any time to receive any gratification from any dealing and discharging any function he is constitutionally empowered to perform.”
It would be recalled that the appointment of Effiong Akwa as the Sole Administrator of the NDDC has raised the eyebrows of many citizens of the Niger Delta.
Some people from the region have claimed that the appointment was done with any consultation from the Niger Delta indigenes.
The incorporated trustees of George Uboh Whistle Blowers Network (GUWBUN), on January 8 filed a case against President Buhari, Apkabio and Malami over the manner of the appointment of Akwa as the Sole Administrator of the Commission.
Also, the Urhobo Youth Leaders Council (UYLC), on January 5, filed a case against the Federal Government (FG).
The group asked the Federal High Court Warri to declare the appointment of a sole administrator for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as illegal.
