C’River Rep Dismisses Contract Racketeering Allegation, Says It’s Political Smear Campaign

The Member representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Peter Akpanke, has dismissed allegations of contract racketeering circulating on social media, describing them as a politically motivated smear campaign aimed at blackmailing and distracting him from his legislative duties.

In a statement issued by his Media Office, the lawmaker said the allegations were “misleading, mischievous and deliberately orchestrated to misinform the public,” adding that while the claims were baseless, it had become necessary to address them to protect public discourse and his personal integrity.

“The attention of the Media Office of Hon. Peter Akpanke has been drawn to misleading and mischievous allegations circulating on social media concerning purported contract racketeering,” the statement said.

“Ordinarily, such baseless claims would be ignored, but to prevent the spread of misinformation, we have decided to set the record straight with verifiable facts,” the statement said.

The office explained that prior to his election into the House of Representatives in 2023, Akpanke was a well-established contractor who legitimately executed several projects for federal and state governments, often by taking over contracts from awardees who lacked the capacity or resources to deliver.

“Before his election, Hon. Akpanke was a reputable contractor who successfully executed multiple projects. His business model involved acquiring and executing contracts from original awardees who could not deliver,” the statement noted.

According to the Media Office, upon assuming office, Akpanke fully complied with existing laws that prohibit public office holders from engaging in active contracting. However, due to his extensive professional network in the construction and procurement sector, Chief Clement Anunwa approached him to facilitate access to certain contract opportunities through pre-existing contacts.

“Hon. Akpanke agreed to assist strictly on a legitimate facilitation basis, in full compliance with the law,” the statement said, adding that an agreed facilitation fee, calculated as a percentage of the contract value, was paid by Chief Anunwa for several identified opportunities at the Federal Ministry of Sports.

The office disclosed that out of the opportunities identified, only one materialised—a N47m contract for the construction of a mini-stadium in Kitting, Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State, which it said is currently under construction.

“The Kitting mini-stadium project is ongoing and progressing steadily, with evidence including the award letter and videos of the construction work available,” the statement said.

Following the failure of other opportunities to materialise, Chief Anunwa reportedly requested that the facilitation arrangement be formalised through a legal agreement. The Media Office said the agreement was duly prepared and signed by the legal representatives of all parties involved and is the same document now being circulated on social media.

Since the execution of the agreement, the office stated that Akpanke had facilitated two additional legitimate contracts for Chief Anunwa, supported by official award letters, and that all parties agreed to continue sourcing for further opportunities.

The statement further revealed that when the matter resurfaced online, Akpanke’s legal counsel contacted Chief Anunwa, who confirmed that he had discussed the issue with journalist Agba Jalingo in May 2025 and that the matter had been amicably resolved.

“Chief Anunwa stated that after the resolution, he made concerted efforts to inform Agba Jalingo, but he stopped taking or returning his calls,” the Media Office said.

“He further confirmed that he sent the relevant legal documents to Agba Jalingo via WhatsApp to show that the issue had been resolved.”
From these developments, the office accused Jalingo of deliberately resurrecting a settled matter for ulterior motives.

“It is clear that Agba Jalingo is on a futile mission to blackmail Hon. Akpanke for reasons only he can explain,” the statement alleged, clarifying that “a settled matter is resurfacing at this political period is not surprising.”

The Media Office also rejected claims that the Kitting mini-stadium contract was awarded as compensation or quid pro quo for the facilitation arrangement, describing such assertions as a misunderstanding of government procurement processes.

“Government payments are only made after rigorous verification, certification of work done, and strict compliance with due process,” the statement said. “Mere possession of an award letter does not entitle any contractor to funds.”

Describing the renewed allegations as a sponsored campaign of blackmail and character assassination, the office said Akpanke remained focused on his responsibilities to his constituents.

“Hon. Akpanke remains undeterred and fully committed to delivering effective, people-centred representation to the good people of Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency,” the statement said.

The Media Office warned that similar attacks might intensify as the 2027 general elections approach but insisted that the lawmaker would not be distracted.

“We urge the public to disregard these unfounded claims and focus on verifiable facts and ongoing developmental efforts in the constituency,” the statement added.