“Everybody Thinks All Former Governors Are Thieves” – Senator Godswill Akpabio Cries Out

Godswill Akpabio, former governor of Akwa Ibom state and minority leader of the senate, says it is difficult for a former governor to be respected outside Nigeria “because everybody believes that all former governors are thieves”.

Akpabio was speaking on the floor of the senate on Tuesday, during the deliberation of the upper chamber on the raid on the home of seven judges by the Department of State Services (DSS).

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to destroy the principles of separation of power, saying: “We know there is separation of power; we must bear in mind the need for the survival of democracy and our perception in the international community.

“We must be careful of the kind of image we give to the judiciary; it is difficult for a former governor to be respected outside this country because everybody believes that all former governors are thieves.

“If we carry that toga, everybody will lose confidence in the judiciary. Even if there is corruption, it should be handled carefully so that it does not jeopardise internal security.”