Why I Cannot Honour EFCC’s Summon – Godswill Akpabio
A former governor of Akwa Ibom state and the immediate past minister of the Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio, has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (INEC), explaining why he cannot honour the invite sent to him by the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC had in a letter asked Akpabio to appear at their office on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 over alleged corruption.
Responding, Akpabio in a letter addressed to the EFCC, through his legal counsel, Umeh Kalu, SAN explained that he failed to honour the Wednesday’s invite owing to his poor health condition.
According to the letter, Akpabio, based on doctor’s recommendation, flew out of the country to get further medical attention as he is suffering from pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia.
Akpabio urged the EFCC to chose another convenient date, preferably, after the forthcoming Easter celebration.
The letter titled;
‘Re: Investigation activities – Senator Godswill Akpabio’s appointment’ read:
“We continue to net as solicitors to Senator Godswill Akpabio and write to you at his instance. We write to convey our client’s inability to honour the scheduled visit to your office on the 29th day of March, 2022 due to ill health and already arranged medical appointments overseas.
“As mentioned in our last letter to you dated February 10, 2023, our client is undergoing treatment for pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia, and has recently been advised to seek further attention abroad.
“It is in the light of the above, that we respectfully request that our client’s appointment with you be rescheduled to a date convenient to your officers. Preferably after the forthcoming Easter and Ramadan.
“This request is in no way intended to disrespect your high office, even as we regret every conceivable inconvenience that our request will occasion on you and your team of operatives.
“Please accept the assurances of our professional regards, while thanking you for your understanding.”