The attention of the Media Office of Hon. Peter Akpanke, Member representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has been drawn to misleading and mischievous allegations circulating on social media concerning purported contract racketeering.
Ordinarily, such baseless claims would be disregarded. However, to prevent the spread of misinformation and safeguard the integrity of public discourse, we deem it necessary to set the record straight with the following facts:
1. Prior to his election to the House of Representatives in 2023, Hon. Akpanke was a reputable and established contractor who successfully won and executed multiple projects for both federal and state governments. His primary business model involved acquiring and executing contracts from other awardees who lacked the capacity or resources to deliver.
2. Upon assuming public office, Hon. Akpanke fully complied with extant laws prohibiting public office holders from engaging in active contracting. Recognizing his established network in the sector, Chief Clement Anunwa approached him to facilitate access to certain contract opportunities through pre-existing contacts. Hon. Akpanke agreed to provide this assistance on a legitimate facilitation basis.
3. The arrangement entailed Chief Anunwa paying an agreed facilitation fee (a percentage of the contract value) for opportunities identified. Chief Anunwa fulfilled his financial obligations for several opportunities at the Federal Ministry of Sports. Regrettably, only one such opportunity materialized successfully, a contract valued at N47 million for the construction of a mini-stadium in Kitting, Obanliku local government area. This project is currently ongoing and progressing steadily, (see pictures&videos).
4. Following the non-materialization of the other opportunities, Chief Anunwa expressed concerns and requested that the facilitation arrangement be formalized through a legal agreement. This agreement, duly signed by the legal representatives of all parties involved, is the document currently being circulated on social media.
5. Since the execution of the agreement, Hon. Akpanke has leveraged his professional contacts to secure two additional legitimate contracts for Chief Anunwa, as evidenced by official award letters attached. All parties have also agreed to keep sourcing for more opportunities.
6. When the matter resurfaced on social media, Hon. Akpanke’s legal counsel contacted Chief Anunwa, who confirmed that he had discussed the issue with Agba Jalingo in May, 2025. Regrettably, when the matter was amicably resolved, he made concerted efforts to inform Agba Jalingo but he stopped taking nor returning his calls. Chief Anunwa further stated that he had provided the relevant legal documents to Agba Jalingo on WhatsApp to demonstrate resolution.
7. From the foregoing, it is clear that Agba Jalingo is on a futile mission to blackmail Hon. Akpanke for reasons only he can explain. In fact, Agba himself had reached out to Hon. Akpanke on this issue and he explained what transpired and how it was resolved. That a settled matter is resurfacing on social media at this political period is not surprising.
8. The Office of Hon. Akpanke categorically rejects the false assertion that the Kitting mini-stadium contract was awarded as any form of compensation or quid pro quo for the facilitation arrangement. Such a claim demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of public procurement processes. Government payments to contractors are released only after rigorous, multi-stage verification, certification of work done, and compliance with due process, from award to completion. Mere possession of an award letter without verifiable execution does not entitle any party to funds.
9. This Office views these renewed allegations as part of a sponsored campaign of blackmail and character assassination aimed at distracting the Honourable Member from his core mandate. Hon. Akpanke remains undeterred and fully committed to delivering effective, people-centered representation to the good people of Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency.
10. Finally, we anticipate that these baseless attacks and orchestrated campaigns of calumny will likely continue in various forms. The antics are expected to persist and may even intensify as we approach the 2027 general elections. However, Hon. Akpanke remains steadfast and undeterred, fully focused on delivering quality representation, infrastructure development, and meaningful progress for the people of Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency.
11. We urge the public to disregard these unfounded claims and focus on verifiable facts and ongoing developmental efforts in the constituency.
e-Signed:
The Rock Media
The views expressed are entirely the author’s.
