PRESS RELEASE BY CITIZENS ANTI-CORRUPTION PLATFORM (CACP)
Abuja, Nigeria – February 18, 2025
The Citizens Anti-Corruption Platform (CACP) calls on the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to immediately suspend Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Philip Agbese, and Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe over serious allegations of corruption, bribery, and blackmail. These lawmakers have been indicted by the Chief Executive of Binance for allegedly demanding a staggering $150 million in bribes.
This alarming accusation adds to the long list of unethical and fraudulent activities that these individuals have been involved in over time. Their continued presence in the House of Representatives is a disgrace to the legislative arm of government and an insult to the Nigerian people.
A Track Record of Corruption and Extortion
It is public knowledge that Hon. Peter Akpanke has been notorious for blackmail, contract scams, and extortion. On multiple occasions, he has been confronted by contractors within the National Assembly Complex for collecting money under false pretenses, promising to facilitate contract awards. He was dismissed from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraudulent activities and has been a regular guest at EFCC offices, having been arrested and detained at least six times since May 2023.
Similarly, Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe has exhibited gross incompetence in his duties. Reports indicate that Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has personally cautioned him several times to focus on his legislative responsibilities rather than engage in extortion. As Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes, Hon. Ginger has been accused of demanding bribes from individuals he is supposed to be investigating, undermining the integrity of the National Assembly.
Hon. Philip Agbese, on the other hand, is a professional racket man known for his dubious activities. His loyalty fluctuates depending on personal gains, and he has a history of writing frivolous petitions against top politicians and business figures with the sole aim of extortion. A clear example is his betrayal of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, who entrusted him with TelevisionNigeria to promote the Nigerian Army’s efforts against terrorism. Instead, he used a faceless Civil Society Organization to petition Buratai, leading to his disgraceful removal as Managing Director of Television Nigeria.
Furthermore, Agbese falsely claims to be a graduate of Middlesex University, London and parades himself as a Barrister and Solicitor despite not being called to the Nigerian Bar. Such deception raises serious doubts about his credibility and trustworthiness. His swift reaction to the Binance bribery allegations suggests a guilty conscience, as the saying goes, “the guilty is always afraid.”
Government’s Suspicious Silence and Defence of Corruption
It is disheartening that Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, was quick to dismiss the Binance CEO’s allegations without conducting a proper investigation (Pulse Nigeria). This hasty defence raises suspicion that some elements within the Federal Government may be complicit in the $150 million bribery scandal. In a country that upholds the rule of law, such grave allegations would prompt an immediate and thorough investigation rather than a blanket denial.
Additionally, the House of Representatives’ attempt to distance itself from the scandal by claiming that “individual members mentioned should defend themselves” (Observers Times) is not enough. The integrity of the National Assembly is at stake, and it is the duty of the Honourable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to take decisive action.
Immediate Suspension Needed to Uphold the House’s Integrity
The Citizens Anti-Corruption Platform (CACP) strongly urges Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas to take a stand against corruption by immediately suspending Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Philip Agbese, and Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe pending a full investigation. It is evidently clear that nothing is “Honourable” about these three men, and they have no moral justification to remain lawmakers. Therefore, anything short of their immediate suspension would signal to Nigerians and the international community that the House of Representatives condones corruption and extortion.
The Nigerian people deserve accountability and transparency from those elected to represent them. It is unacceptable for individuals with criminal records, fraudulent pasts, and a penchant for blackmail and extortion to continue holding legislative positions. If the Honourable Speaker fails to act, it would confirm the perception by many observers that corruption has infiltrated the highest levels of government.
A Call for Action
• We demand the immediate suspension of Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Philip Agbese, and Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe from the House of Representatives.
• We call on the EFCC and ICPC to launch a full-scale investigation into their corrupt activities.
• We urge other local sister organisations and international anti-corruption bodies to monitor this case, ensuring that justice prevails.
• We call on the Nigerian people to speak out against corruption and demand accountability from their representatives.
Corruption must not be tolerated in any form. The Honourable Speaker must act decisively to restore the integrity of the House of Representatives.
Signed:
Prince Funsho Olawale
For: CITIZENS ANTI-CORRUPTION PLATFORM (CACP)