February 10, (THEWILL) – The former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chief Ndueso Essien, has urged that any corruption probe in Nigeria must be conducted holistically—devoid of ethnic or political bias.
Speaking at a press briefing in his hometown of Eket yesterday, the PDP chieftain from Akwa Ibom State leveled a stern rebuke at the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), accusing the group of conducting “sensational” and “arranged” media trials against the immediate past governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
Essien singled out Mr. Fejiro Oliver, whose so-called anti-corruption enterprise—based in the United States with a newly established office in Uyo as of February 3, 2025—has been particularly active in targeting oil-rich states.
“I am tempted to say that his sudden affection for Akwa Ibom is remarkable,” he remarked.
He continued, “I have been observing with keen interest the latest drama in our long-standing tradition of media trials, where self-proclaimed crusaders lure unsuspecting individuals into what ultimately amounts to an elaborate extortion scheme.
“This is not Mr. Oliver’s first job, and I suspect it will not be his last, as he previously dabbled with former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.”
Essien emphasised that his previous criticisms of Udom Emmanuel—as well as those directed at Obong Victor Attah and Chief Godswill Akpabio—were based solely on principle.
“Accountability is fundamental, but it must be pursued through legitimate channels. Justice is not served by reckless declarations of guilt in the media to advance a particular agenda,” he declared.
He also dismissed attempts to implicate Senate President Godswill Akpabio in these media trials. “As the third-ranking political figure in the country, Senator Akpabio is preoccupied with matters of national importance.
It is laughable to suggest that he has the time or inclination to entertain a media-driven witch hunt. If we are truly committed to accountability, it should be applied uniformly without bias or selectivity,” Essien added.
The elder statesman dissociated ethnic colouration from Mr. Oliver’s actions, asserting that the petitioner’s focus on oil-rich states is merely an opportunistic ploy to extract funds for lavish lifestyles abroad.
Essien’s comments come amid heightened calls for a corruption probe that is both comprehensive and free from partisan influences, as Nigerians continue to demand greater transparency and accountability in public office.
