In a rare display of public contrition, former Beninese minister Paulin Akponna has issued a heartfelt apology for recent remarks that stirred political controversy and drew criticism from both the government and party allies.
Speaking during a Republican Bloc event in Parakou, Akponna had suggested the misappropriation of state funds—comments he now concedes were “a very serious political error.”
In a statement released on Saturday, Akponna acknowledged the damage caused by his remarks, which appeared to implicate his predecessor, Samou Adambi, in alleged corruption.
“On closer inspection, I see a real communication error, if not a very serious political error,” he wrote.
“My comments cast doubt on the sincerity of government action and fueled unnecessary controversy and division.
I am saddened and appalled by this.”
Akponna’s remarks were made during an address to party members and residents of the Titirou, Okédama, and Korobororou districts.
While discussing issues such as water access, electricity expansion, youth employment, and women’s empowerment, he referenced the “siphoning off of tens of billions of CFA francs,” prompting immediate backlash.
“Looking closely, I see a real communication error,” he reiterated, adding that his references to corruption cases were based solely on hearsay and not on personal knowledge or evidence.
“There is no evidence to support my remarks other than memories of cases I did not witness and which are pending before the Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism.”
Akponna went on to offer personal apologies to Minister Samou Adambi, President Patrice Talon, and the entire government.
“To all those to whom my words have caused any harm or injury, I apologize,” he said.
“To the President of the Republic and his government, to my colleague Samou S. Adambi and to our Party the Republican Bloc, I genuflect in my Nago custom.”
The former minister concluded by underscoring the weight of political speech: “I would like to humbly note the sacred nature of speech in political matters: everything is my responsibility and should be weighed and under-weighed.
I am learning from it.”
Akponna is currently facing a legal complaint filed by Adambi, with a hearing scheduled for July 16.
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