Akpabio Challenges Amaechi Over 50% Deduction Claims

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has asked former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to show proof of his claim that he introduced a 50 percent deduction from payments to contractors for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Akpabio made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, issued the statement.

He described the claim as serious. Akpabio pointed out that Amaechi has not provided any contract documents, payment records, or details of specific transactions to back it up.

Amaechi, who is also a former Minister of Transportation and was a vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, made the accusation while speaking to his supporters at an ADC campaign rally in Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi State, on Saturday.

The former governor also criticized President Bola Tinubu for the current economic challenges facing the country.

This accusation came after what Amaechi termed recent comments by Akpabio against him in Port Harcourt.

Akpabio challenged Amaechi to name the contractors involved, the specific contracts, and when these alleged deductions took place. He also asked for the payment details related to these transactions.

He demanded that Amaechi provide any evidence linking him personally to the alleged deductions. Akpabio said, "An allegation delivered before an enthusiastic political audience does not, by that circumstance alone, acquire the status of an established fact."

The Senate President urged the former governor to take any credible evidence he has to the proper investigative authorities instead of using it for political fights.

He said, "If Amaechi possesses credible evidence of unlawful deductions involving NDDC contractors, the appropriate course is to identify the relevant transactions, disclose the supporting records and submit the material to competent investigative authorities and not the act of rabble-rousing."

Akpabio then turned his attention to Amaechi’s eight years as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. He said Amaechi’s time in office is just as open to public scrutiny.

He mentioned the Port Harcourt monorail project, which became controversial due to its high cost, incomplete work, and failure to provide a proper public transport service.

Akpabio also talked about the Malaria-free Rivers State initiative. He argued that public officials should be ready to explain how money was spent, how projects were delivered, and whether they got good value for the funds used.

He added that questions should be asked about how much was spent, whether the original goals were met, and what decisions were made that affected the results.

"Public accountability does not begin and end with one’s political opponents. It extends to every public official entrusted with resources, authority and responsibility," he stated.

He said the upcoming 2027 general elections should not be a reason for making unfounded claims. He added that the issues concerning the finances and administration of the NDDC should be thoroughly investigated.

The NDDC was set up to tackle developmental issues in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, especially its infrastructure and environmental needs.

Akpabio insisted that the interests of the residents in the region should be at the heart of discussions about the commission. He stressed the need for transparent procurement, completed projects, and clear developmental results.

He also stated that Amaechi has the right to raise issues about public administration but must distinguish between claims and those backed by evidence.

"The credibility of a public allegation must rest not on the volume of its delivery, the status of its author or the occasion on which it is made, but on the quality of the evidence supporting it. Let the facts speak," he concluded.