Mr Godwin Akpama when contacted by TheInvestigator denied the allegations and threatened to take legal action.
By TheInvestigator
The Cross River State Good Governance and Transparency Initiatives have issued a strong-worded statement condemning the conduct of the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Intelligence, Mr Godwin Akpama, accusing him of overstepping his duties and engaging in unethical practices.
In the statement signed by the group’s Coordinator, Mr Justine Asuquo, Secretary, Mr Ibor Ibor, and Publicity Secretary, Mr Abang Abang, the organization expressed concern over Akpama’s handling of his office, stating that he lacks the necessary expertise and integrity required for intelligence gathering and advisory responsibilities.
The group alleged that Akpama has been using his position to intimidate political colleagues and perceived opponents, blackmail government appointees, and extort money from individuals and corporate entities under the guise of intelligence reporting. It further claimed that Akpama had engaged in name-dropping, frequently citing the governor’s directives to advance his interests.
One of the allegations leveled against him is his involvement in the recent controversy surrounding the sale of a generator in Ugep. According to the group, rather than conducting an objective investigation and reporting his findings to the governor, Akpama has resorted to harassment and blackmail of senior government officials. The statement accuses him of leaking confidential documents to the media in an attempt to manipulate public opinion and launch a smear campaign against those he deems guilty.
Additionally, the group accused Akpama of colluding with Chinese business operators in Okuni, Ikom Local Government Area, against the interests of local community leaders. It alleged that he received large sums of money to draft damning reports against community members who opposed the foreign investors.
The organization called on Akpama to cease his alleged media propaganda and intimidation of government officials and instead focus on his core responsibility of providing security intelligence to the governor. It also warned that if his misconduct continues, it will push for his removal from office.
“The office of the Special Adviser on Intelligence should be used to serve the interest of the state, not as a tool for personal enrichment and vendetta,” the statement read. “If Akpama continues on this path, we shall not hesitate to recommend his removal.”
The group urged the state government to ensure that intelligence reports from Akpama’s office remain confidential and are not used as a means of personal exploitation or political witch-hunting.
Mr Godwin Akpama when contacted by TheInvestigator denied the allegations and threatened to take legal action.