Group Alleges Blackmail Against Akpabio, Urges DSS Investigations

The Renaissance Group has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the individuals and groups behind the #AkpabioMustGo campaign on social media.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mohammed Jamiu it described the campaign as a coordinated plot to blackmail Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

According to him, a faction of senators, in collaboration with specific external forces, is actively working to undermine Akpabio’s credibility and tarnish his well-earned reputation.

The spokesperson also claims that the conspiracy includes orchestrating social media campaigns under the trending hashtag #AkpabioMustGo. Graphic designers and cartoonists have reportedly been hired to create misleading visuals, while IT experts are tasked with producing manipulated videos that falsely depict Akpabio.

These materials are intended for widespread dissemination across various blogs and social media platforms to sway public opinion against the Senate President.

The Renaissance Group expresses deep concern over the implications of such actions, asserting that these plots are part of a larger agenda to destabilise the nation.

“They reveal having information about a recent Zoom meeting where the details of this campaign were allegedly finalised, including a specific date earmarked for launching the smear effort,” he said.

While acknowledging the importance of criticism in a democratic society, the Renaissance Group emphasises that such discourse must be grounded in credibility and respect.

It condemned the targeting of Akpabio’s family, stating that using personal attacks against the Senate President’s wife and children under the guise of criticism is wholly unacceptable.

“We are aware of the identities of the senators and former governors funding this attempt to blackmail the Senate President.

“We will not hesitate to reveal their names publicly if these malicious activities do not cease immediately,” Jamiu stated.

The group urges those behind the campaign to reconsider their actions, noting that the senate president’s office is a position of national significance meant to serve all Nigerians rather than be confined to any specific region.

“We commend Godswill Akpabio for his leadership qualities, expressing confidence in his capacity to stabilise the 10th National Assembly amidst the ongoing turbulence. We reiterate our support for Akpabio, calling for unity and integrity in the nation’s political landscape.

“As the situation unfolds, the public and political observers alike will be watching closely to see how the DSS and other authorities respond to these serious allegations and the potential ramifications for the Senate President and the broader political climate in Nigeria,” the group said.