The Arewa Youths Forum (AYF) has characterized the criticisms leveled against the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as mere efforts to deflect attention from Emefiele’s case before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The youth body from the northern region made this assertion in response to remarks attributed to Akpabio, suggesting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu lacks clarity on what charges to bring against Emefiele in court.
In a statement issued by its Acting National Secretary, Isa Dangaziya, the Forum expressed that in more morally upright societies, individuals like the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, who allegedly have a history of corruption, would either be incarcerated or shun the public eye due to shame.
The Arewa Youths questioned why figures like Akpabio, who are accused of embezzling resources from Akwa Ibom and the nation while serving as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, thus causing economic harm to the country, have the audacity to shift blame onto others for the nation’s woes.
They urged Akpabio to retreat into obscurity, given that his “sins have been pardoned since joining APC,” echoing a statement made by Adams Oshiomhole a few years ago. They advised him not to exploit Emefiele to garner favor and feign righteousness, as many Nigerians are already aware of his corrupt reputation.
Furthermore, they expressed shock at Akpabio’s remarks attributing Nigeria’s current economic challenges and hunger to policies enacted during Emefiele’s tenure at the apex bank. They pointed out that Akpabio himself is among those allegedly involved in draining Nigeria’s resources through corruption, yet he remains free despite facing significant corruption allegations.