Tributes and Condolences

The Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) confirmed the passing in a statement issued on Monday by state chairman Archibong Bassey, describing his death as a monumental loss to the media fraternity and the state.

Tributes poured in from across the region, highlighting his dedication, integrity, and extensive mentorship of younger reporters:

• Linus Obogo, spokesperson to the Cross River State Governor, paid tribute on Facebook, writing: “Good night and rest peacefully in the Lord, Oga Anietie Akpan. You blazed the trail and paved the way for others to follow. The journalism profession just lost a gem.”

A Legacy of Impact and Dedication

Akpan was widely respected across Cross River and Akwa Ibom states for his fearless public affairs reporting. Notably, he received a meritorious award from the UK-based NGO Safe Child Africa for his courageous reporting on child witchcraft allegations, bringing critical attention to the protection of vulnerable minors.

Demonstrating remarkable resilience, one of his final published reports on July 30—focusing on a landslide in Calabar titled “Marina Road Ruts Into Two”—featured a poignant byline acknowledging his failing health and the dedicated assistance of his family and neighbor:

“By Anietie Akpan, from his sick bed with assistance by his wife, Imaobong, daughter Etinyene and neighbour Idongesit Otoobong.”

The NUJ announced that funeral arrangements will be communicated by the family at a later date.

Chaired by Yusuf Gagdi (representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency), the 12-member committee is wrapping up its assignment, but stakeholders argue the investigation has left critical questions unanswered.

Key Controversies and Criticisms

• Omission of Femi Gbajabiamila: Critics and an anonymous lawmaker have questioned why Gbajabiamila has not been formally invited to testify, especially given that he previously wrote letters to the police regarding the primary suspect, Adeniyi Adeyemi. Furthermore, lawmakers faulted the committee for dismissing the signature issue solely on a visual comparison rather than direct testimony.

• The Suspicious Death of an Intermediary: Civil society groups, including the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) led by Ibrahim Rafsanjani, have slammed the panel for brushing past the death of Dolapo Tanimola. Tanimola allegedly served as the intermediary through whom a disputed ₦400m was channeled to Gbajabiamila. Critics are demanding answers regarding the hotel fire where he died and the subsequent demolition of the building before crucial CCTV footage could be retrieved.

• “Following the Money”: Analysts and anti-corruption advocates argue that focusing solely on whether appointment letters were forged is insufficient. They insist the panel must trace the alleged ₦400m through bank records, phone logs, and financial intelligence reports instead of relying strictly on paperwork.

• Concerns Over Independence: Questions have been raised regarding the integrity of the process. An anonymous lawmaker criticized the decision to appoint Gagdi as committee chairman after he was the one who originally moved the motion for the investigation. Figures like former Arewa Consultative Forum Secretary-General Anthony Sani and public affairs analyst Jackson Ojo have similarly called for a more transparent, comprehensive inquiry that hears from all accused parties.

The Panel’s Proceedings and Defense

Over three weeks of hearings, the committee has questioned several high-ranking government officials, including:

• The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack

• Central Bank of Nigeria Director of Banking Services, Hamisu Abdullahi

• Budget Office Director-General, Tanimu Yakubu

• Federal Project Finance Department Director, Joshua Luka

• Police representatives of the Inspector-General

Meanwhile, legal representatives for the main suspect, Adeniyi Adeyemi, have formally requested administrative clearance for their client to testify in person, warning that any final report issued without hearing his side would violate fair hearing principles. Adeyemi’s team also alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) previously allocated a property to the council and demanded processing fees.

In response, an anonymous EFCC official strongly defended the agency, clarifying that forfeited government properties are only transferred under direct instructions from the Presidency and that all financial transactions are strictly processed through Central Bank accounts.