A socio-political organization, Democrats for Justice, Equity, and Fairness (DJEF), has accused certain elements within the National Assembly of orchestrating a campaign to discredit the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
In a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Dr. John Hassan, and released in Abuja on Friday, the group alleged that “devious plots” are being hatched to tarnish Emmanuel’s achievements as governor and subject his reputation to public ridicule.
The DJEF claimed that these alleged schemes involve hiring faceless groups to submit frivolous petitions to anti-corruption agencies, making baseless accusations against the former governor.
The group further pointed to a perceived link between these attacks and the recent creation of a purported joint committee in the National Assembly tasked with investigating projects approved and funded by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly during Emmanuel’s tenure.
Describing the committee’s investigation as an “unconstitutional witch-hunt,” the DJEF alleged that the inquiry was a ploy designed to achieve a predetermined outcome against individuals considered enemies by certain powerful figures in the National Assembly.
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“For the record, the Emmanuel administration left behind audited accounts for every kobo spent on every single project, broken down ministry by ministry, and presented in fully bound formats for emphasis and reference,” the group asserted.
The DJEF criticized what it described as the misuse of official positions to settle personal scores, labeling such actions undemocratic and an abuse of power.
“At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, the National Assembly ought to focus on initiatives that advance the country’s development, not be reduced to a tool for harassment and intimidation of innocent Nigerians,” the group said.
The organization called on the National Assembly to resist being used as an instrument of personal vendettas and to uphold its responsibility to the nation.
It emphasized that individuals who have served the country with distinction, such as Emmanuel, should not be subjected to unwarranted attacks.
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