PANDEF: Akpabio Won’t Step Down Despite Budget Padding Allegations

Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has described as mischievous, those calling for the resignation of the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio over alleged budget padding.

PANDEF, in a statement made available to News reporters by its national publicity secretary, Dr Ken Robinson, said the intentions of those behind the call were already known.

The statement stated that the allegation of budget padding, unspecified appropriations, or double budgets made by the suspended Senator Abdul Ningi have already been explained as misrepresentations.

The statement reads in part: “Those who are calling for the resignation of the Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over the alleged budget padding are being mischievous and their intentions are known.

“It is unfortunate that certain politicians and public commentators take pleasure in creating instability in the polity. The allegations of budget padding, unspecified appropriations, or double budgets made by the suspended Senator Abdul Ningi have already been explained as misrepresentations.

“We will not justify any wrongdoing, but, it is unacceptable that people would deliberately bid to tarnish the reputation of the first Senate President from the South-South after 40 years.

“The people of the South-South region will not accept a situation where certain individuals or groups of people attempt to discredit their political leaders. Enough is enough, this country belongs to all of us!”