Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has denied bribing tribunal chairman, Justice W.O Akanbi with 1.5 million dollars (N543,000,000) to influence judgment in favour of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Obong Chris Ekpenyong in the Akwa Ibom Northwest senatorial petition matter.

Mr. Leo Ekpenyong, a lawyer has accused the governor of doling out 1.4million Dollars to the panel Chairman, Justice W.O. Akanbi.

He said; “Justice W. O. Akanbi, who many thoughts was a righteous Judge has received a whopping $1.5million US Dollars from governor Udom Emmanuel and has recruited one Justice Ebetu, another Judge from Bayelsa state to join in the justice-for-sale scam.”

“Akanbi has clearly jettisoned justice in preference in preference for governor Udom’s Greek gift, since, according to him, he (Akanbi) has only two years to retire.”

However, the governor speaking through his Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, said;

“We state most categorically and without any equivocation that there is absolutely no iota of truth in Leo Ekpenyong’s wild and unsubstantial allegation.”

“Governor Udom Emmanuel does not know and has never met with Honourable Justice Akanbi or any other Judge in the panel; His Excellency has made no personal contact or through a proxy with any of the Judges.”

“It is therefore, most uncharitable and unconscionable for Leo Ekpenyong and his pay masters to attempt to rubbish and bring to disrepute the sterling reputation of and character of governor Emmanuel.”

“Leo Ekpenyong is “a serial blackmailer,” he had in time past blackmail Senator Akpabio, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices (and other related offences) Commission (ICPC). Akpabio succumb to his blackmail paid him handsomely”.

“Leo Ekpenyong should produce factual evidence within seven days and publish same in three reputable national newspapers or be ready to face the full weight of his action in the court of law.”