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Tag: Akpabio

  • Akpabio pledges undying love for wife on birthday

    Akpabio pledges undying love for wife on birthday

    It was an outpouring of emotion from family, friends and associates as the wife of the President of the Senate, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio, marked her 54th birthday at a ceremony in her country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area.

    Leading the charge, Senate President Godswill Akpabio in an emotional tribute declared: “Be assured of my love forever. My dear wife, words cannot describe my joy as you add another year to your age today.

    “Your life is replete with positive impact on humanity. Your love for fellow women, children and the less privileged in our society will continue to be celebrated.

    “You made my tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State exceptional when as the First Lady of the State 2007 – 2015, you initiated numerous programmes through the Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI) which changed frowns to smiles on the faces of thousands of Akwa Ibom people.

    “Your good deeds especially your humility in the service of our women, children and the vulnerable shall never be forgotten.

    “Even out of office as the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, you have continued to impact lives through numerous empowerment initiatives, medical outreaches and other interventions like building houses for widows and the vulnerable.

    “My family is blessed to have a God-fearing wife/mother like you,” he said.

    Read Also: Basiru denies fraternising with Aregbesola, says no crisis in Osun APC

    Akpabio expressed profound gratitude for her unwavering support to him, their children, and the people of Akwa Ibom, and presented her with a special birthday card, offering heartfelt prayers and goodwill messages.

    On his part, the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, described Mrs Akpabio as a role model and commended her for her significant contributions to national development through various empowerment initiatives.

    Senate Deputy Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, described Mrs Akpabio as a prayerful and supportive woman who has been steadfast in her support and encouragement of her husband’s political journey and leadership.

    He wished her many more years in her service to humanity.

    An obviously overwhelmed celebrant, Mrs Akpabio, thanked the husband for his love and support for her over the years of their marriage.

    “Thank you my dear husband for your love and for always supporting me always. Thank you for loving me. I want to reassure you once again of my love, support and loyalty to you,” she said.

    She expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the guests for their unwavering support, prayers and goodwill.

    The celebration reached its peak with the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, followed by exchange of gifts from friends and well-wishers.

  • Denial not enough. Action Collective confronts Akpabio’s Media Adviser on alleged deleted confession

    Denial not enough. Action Collective confronts Akpabio’s Media Adviser on alleged deleted confession

    The Action Collective has called on Mr. Ken Okolugbo, the Communication Adviser to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to take full responsibility for the now-deleted confessional statement he made on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, where he admitted to being part of a coordinated plan to malign Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

    In a statement by the group’s National Coordinator, Mr. Teddy Onyejuwe, Action Collective said Okolugbo’s subsequent claim that his account was hacked is insufficient and lacks credibility.

    The controversial post, which remained live for over an hour before being pulled down, included an emotional apology, a detailed confession of involvement in meetings in London with Sandra Duru, and allegations of phone cloning and manipulation of Senator Natasha’s voice recordings. 

    Okolugbo wrote that the plan, orchestrated alongside Akpabio and his associates, was a desperate attempt to discredit the senator. 

    He further pleaded for forgiveness in the spirit of the Eid El-Kabir celebration and wished Nigerians a happy Sallah before deleting the post and claiming a hack.

    Read Also: Nigerians must look beyond short-term hardship -DOJ

    The Action Collective has raised serious doubts about the hacking narrative, asking how a compromised account could be recovered in under two hours and why the post was left active for over an hour if it was indeed unauthorized.

     “You must prove your innocence. Denial is not enough. Nigerians need more than vague excuses. Where is the evidence that your account was hacked? Why did it take someone else to alert you before you took action?” the group queried.

    Onyejuwe suggested that Okolugbo may have been pressured by higher political powers to retract his confession and hide behind a hacking claim. 

    “This reeks of political intimidation. Your confession was detailed, personal, and reflective. It bore the weight of someone seeking redemption, not a random attacker. If you were bold enough to admit your role, be man enough to stand by your words and move on with integrity,” he stated.

    The group also noted the danger of using cybersecurity claims to avoid accountability, warning that such tactics erode public trust and trivialize genuine issues of digital security. 

    “If the post was genuine, and we believe it was, you owe it to Nigerians and Senator Natasha to be truthful. If it was not, then prove it conclusively. Anything less is unacceptable,” the statement continued.

    Action Collective reaffirmed its solidarity with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and called on relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. 

    “Mr. Okolugbo must either present irrefutable evidence to support his claim or be prepared to answer to the public. The truth must not be buried under political pressure or digital excuses,” the statement reads. 

  • Sallah: Akpabio celebrates Muslims, urges peace, patience

    Sallah: Akpabio celebrates Muslims, urges peace, patience

    As Muslims across Nigeria and around the world celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated the Muslim Ummah, praying that the sacred festival may usher peace, love, and unity to the nation.

    In a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President said the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir reminds us of the importance of sacrifice, compassion, and kindness.

    He said: “As we commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, we are reminded of the values of obedience, faith, and selflessness.

    Read Also: Court permits Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve court papers on Akpabio, Nwaebonyi

    “I urge all Nigerians to embody these virtues, fostering a culture of peace, understanding, and cooperation.

    “We also recognise the challenges our nation faces and the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address them. His economic and fiscal reforms, though difficult, are yielding results and paving the way for a brighter future. I encourage all Nigerians to remain patient, resilient, and committed to our collective progress.

    “Let us use this occasion to promote interfaith harmony, national unity, and development. May Allah bless our nation and grant us peace and prosperity.

    “On behalf of my family, constituents, the 10th Senate and the entire National Assembly, I say Eid Mubarak to all Muslims”.

  • Court permits Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve court papers on Akpabio, Nwaebonyi

    Court permits Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve court papers on Akpabio, Nwaebonyi

    Two High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have granted leave to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve  documents on  Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate  Deputy Chief Whip  Onyekachi Nwaebonyi about two alleged sexual harassment, defamation and rights violation suits filed by the Kogi Central lawmaker

    In a ruling on the first suit marked:FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, Justice Abubakar  Kutigi granted leave to Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the writ of summons and other court documents on Akpabio in person and his official capacity as the Senate  President.

    Kutigi also ordered that the senior legislative aide to Akpabio, Mfon Patrick and the Clerk of the National Assembly be served with the same set of documents.

    The judge adjourned till June 9 for the report of service. The ruling was on a motion marked: motion no. M/6603/2025 was moved by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, U.J. Udoh.

    In a similar ruling on the second suit marked: no: FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, Justice Angela Otaluka granted leave to Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve court papers on Nwaebonyi through substituted means.

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    Justice Otaluka granted the leave while ruling on an ex parte motion by Akpoti-Uduaghan, which was moved by her lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN).

    Justice Otaluka adjourned till June 25 for the report of service.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a N5 billion defamation suit against  Nwaebonyi, accusing him of claiming that she had six children with different men.

    She claimed that  Nwaebonyi purportedly made the allegations during a live interview on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, aired on March 6.

  • Court summons Akpabio over Natasha’s N100 billion alleged defamation suit

    Court summons Akpabio over Natasha’s N100 billion alleged defamation suit

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, presided over by Hon Justice Idris Kutigi, has ordered Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to appear before it on June 9, 2025 in a N100 billion defamation suit filed against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    The court’s order followed a motion filed by counsel to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, Barrister Victor Giwa, seeking leave of the court to serve Senator Akpabio through substituted means after the Senate President failed to appear in court in respect of the matter on May 7, 2025.

    Read Also: Why Nigerians should behopeful, by NOA DG

    The suit, with case number FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, revolves around allegations of defamation which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claims have severely damaged her reputation, prompting her to seek substantial damages from the Senate President.

    In granting the application for substituted service, Justice Kutigi directed that the court processes be served on Senator Akpabio through the Clerk of the National Assembly, effectively ensuring that the Senate President is duly notified of the proceedings.

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, is pursuing the suit, insisting that the statements allegedly made by the Senate President against her were “false, malicious, and intended to damage her integrity.”

    The court is expected to proceed with the matter on June 9.(NAN)

  • Akpabio, northern senators sad

    Akpabio, northern senators sad

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) have commiserated with the Governor of Kano State, Mallam Abba Kabiru Yusuf and families of the dead.

    Akpabio, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the closing ceremony of the games in Abeokuta on Friday sent his condolences in a statement  by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.

    He said: “It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the tragic death of 22 members of the Kano State contingent that participated in the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

    “On behalf of my family, constituents, the  Senate and the entire National Assembly, I extend my deepest condolences to Your Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the government, and people of Kano State.

    “This devastating loss is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of our citizens, particularly our youth. We stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased and pray for their swift healing and comfort during this difficult time.

    “May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their memories inspire us to work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all Nigerians.

    “Once again, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the people of Kano State and the families of the deceased.”

    Also in a statement, the Chairman of the NSF, Abdulaziz Yar’adua commiserated with the families of the dead athletes.

    Read Also: Akpabio urges media outlets to uphold standards in coverage of National Assembly

    He said: “I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Northern Senators Forum following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of members of the Kano State delegation returning from the National Sports Festival. This devastating incident has left us all in shock and grief.

    “We pray for the Almighty Allah to grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and for their families to find solace during this difficult time.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured who are receiving treatment, and we wish them a speedy recovery.

  • Akpabio urges media outlets to uphold standards in coverage of National Assembly

    Akpabio urges media outlets to uphold standards in coverage of National Assembly

    …denies reports of senator’s embarrassment

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed reports alleging that Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, was embarrassed during a recent plenary session for allegedly failing to define the term “harmonised.”

    In a statement on Friday titled “Clarification on Misleading Reports Regarding Senate Proceedings,” Akpabio described the circulating claims, particularly those published by Linda Ikeji’s Blog, as false and misleading.

    Read Also: Akpabio: Tinubu has placed Nigeria on a solid developmental pedestal

    “No such incident occurred,” Akpabio said. “Senator Musa was neither embarrassed nor unable to respond. At the time he was called upon, a point of order was raised by Senator Abdul Ningi, which required immediate procedural attention. The session continued without any breach of decorum.”

    He commended Senator Musa’s contributions to legislative progress, especially in his role as Chairman of the Conference Committee that harmonized the Tax Reform Bills, a key milestone that received commendation across both chambers.

    Akpabio called on media outlets to adhere to the ethics of responsible journalism when reporting on the National Assembly.

    “The Nigerian Senate operates on principles of respect, order, and integrity. While public engagement is encouraged, commentary from influential media platforms must be rooted in facts, not sensationalism,” he stated.

  • Sports now a major economic force, instrument of unity, says Akpabio

    Sports now a major economic force, instrument of unity, says Akpabio

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that sports should no longer be seen merely as a recreational activity, but as a powerful economic force and a tool for national unity and integration.

    Akpabio made this known on Thursday during his address at the closing ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President noted that the global sports industry was valued at approximately \$484.9 billion in 2023, with projections to hit $507.69 billion by 2025, accounting for nearly two per cent of global GDP.

    “This underscores its profound role as a driver of economic activity, job creation, tourism, health, and national pride,” Akpabio said. “Yet in Africa, sports contribute only about 0.5 per cent to GDP, revealing a significant growth gap—and an opportunity.”

    He called on governments, schools, private investors, and corporate organisations to see sports not as leisure, but as a strategic tool for national development.

    Akpabio said his presence at the event was not just ceremonial but a tribute to the strength, resilience, and spirit of competition exhibited by the athletes.

    “I have come to celebrate those who won medals, those who won hearts, and those who may not have won today but are already on the path to winning tomorrow,” he said.

     “Let me say this without reservation: every single participant in this festival is a winner—because you first won in your state, and you earned your right to stand on this national platform”.

    He thanked the Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, and the entire Ministry of Sports for organizing such a vibrant and flawless festival, saying, “Your commitment to the future of Nigerian sports is evident in every stride, every sprint, and every cheer that echoed across this event.

    “To the host state, I offer gratitude and admiration. You provided an ambient environment—secure, welcoming, and inspiring—for this great convergence of talent. Your hospitality has been the backdrop to greatness.”

    Going down memory lane when he was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpaɓio said, “My faith in sports is not mere rhetoric; it is a matter of record. As the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I conceived and built the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium—a structure that has been hailed globally as a model of sports architecture and ambition. That edifice was not just concrete and steel—it was a statement of belief in what sports can do for a people and a nation.”

    Read Also: Akpabio: Tinubu has placed Nigeria on a solid developmental pedestal

    He charged those in positions of authority at different levels of our education system to “let us ensure that every school, from primary to tertiary, integrates sports into its culture, with facilities and structured programs. Let us offer athletic scholarships to outstanding talents, just as is done in other advanced societies. Let our corporate institutions invest in clubs, leagues, academies, and tournaments—not as charity, but as strategic partnerships.

    “To our sportsmen and women, I say this: sports is not just a game—it is a window to greatness. A path paved with discipline, dedication, and the power to inspire generations.

    “Let me share a story that captures this truth. Once upon a time in Rosario, Argentina, there was a young boy, small, shy, and brimming with raw footballing genius. But at age 10, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. His local club adored his talent but could not afford his treatment.

    “His family began seeking help from abroad. In 2000, they found their way to FC Barcelona, where a youth coach saw something rare in the boy. The decision to sign him met with hesitation—he was too small, too foreign, too risky. But one man, Coach Carles Rexach, believed in him. So determined was he that he offered him a contract—not on official letterhead—but on a humble paper napkin.

    “And that’s how one of the greatest footballers of our time was signed. Today, Lionel Messi is a World Cup champion, winner of 8 Ballon d’Ors, and a global icon. But before the glory came a fragile boy who believed in himself… and someone who believed in him. Messi had the gift, but he needed someone to believe in him—someone to look past his size and see his soul. Never underestimate the power of vision, persistence, and a single act of faith—whether it’s a paper napkin or a lifetime of dreams.”

    Akpabio noted that, “the moral of the story is that talent is universal—but opportunity is not. We must create opportunities for our talents. No, Messi should be allowed to wallow and die in insignificance. We need more sports fiestas. As we close this chapter of the National Sports Festival, I urge you all—athletes, coaches, administrators, investors, and policy makers—to be that one person who believes, who builds, who backs a dream.

    “Because somewhere out there is Nigeria’s own Messi, waiting to be discovered. To the champions—congratulations.To the hopeful, keep training. To Nigeria, your greatness is only beginning. I hereby declare the 22nd Edition of the Nigerian National Sports Festival officially closed.”

  • Akpabio: Tinubu has placed Nigeria on a solid developmental pedestal

    Akpabio: Tinubu has placed Nigeria on a solid developmental pedestal

    …says torrents of endorsements not a fluke

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for restoring the hope of Nigerians for a viable and sustainable nation through transformative and courageous leadership.

    Akpabio, in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, congratulated President Tinubu on his Second Year Anniversary in Office and said the president in the last two years has placed Nigeria on a solid developmental pedestal using the Renewed Hope Agenda as his policy thrust.

    He said: “Today, May 29, 2025, marks the second year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    “On behalf of the Nigerian Senate, the entire National Assembly, my family and constituents, I extend my warmest and profound congratulations to a visionary, courageous and transformative leader, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on this milestone.

    “I commend President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is gradually revitalizing our economy, improving the lives of Nigerians, rekindling hope in our people and building a brighter and prosperous future for our nation.”

    Continuing, Senator Akpabio told President Tinubu: “Mr. President, your bold initiatives and reforms, particularly in the areas of economic and fiscal policies, demonstrate your undying dedication to transforming Nigeria to its deserving greatness.

    “Your drive and obsession to giving every section of the country a sense of belonging has clearly been demonstrated in the creation of development commissions in all the geopolitical zones. This is unprecedented in the annals of our nationhood.

    Read Also: Akpabio reiterates support for greater female representation in governance

    “The level of infrastructural development as enunciated in the monumental on going projects across the country such as the Lagos- Calabar Coastal High way, the Lagos- Maiduguri are testaments to your leadership signature and development conscious pedigree.

    “The economic reforms are gradually turning Nigeria into the preferred business destination of local and foreign investors; with the Naira making a strong rebound couple with your ambitious and purposeful fiscal policies.

    “Mr. President, your achievements in the area of security are wholesome and commendable. In the last two years, the Nigerian Armed Forces have taken the war against insurgency to the door step of bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements and the results are obvious and positive.

    “No wonder, you have received torrents of endorsements to return to office in 2027 just two years into your first tenure.

    “These endorsements are certainly not a fluke but founded on verifiable performance in good governance and delivery on campaign promises and undiluted national consciousness.”

    Assuring President Tinubu of continued support, Akpabio said: “The Senate remains committed to collaborating with the Executive arm of government under your able and dynamic leadership to ensure the success of these initiatives. We recognize the challenges that lie ahead and pledge to work together to address them.

    “Mr. President we appreciate your leadership and vision for Nigeria’s growth and development. We look forward to continued partnership and progress in the years ahead.

    “Congratulations, Mr. President.”

  • Akpabio reiterates support for greater female representation in governance

    Akpabio reiterates support for greater female representation in governance

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has emphasised the importance of women’s representation and their crucial role in the development of the nation.

    He acknowledged the crucial role women play in leadership and governance, describing them as “better managers” and strong decision-makers. 

    Akpabio made the remarks during an advocacy visit to his office by a group of women activists under the aegis of “Reserved seats for women bill” led by Osasu Igbinedion. 

    He lamented the challenges women face in political spaces, pointing out that women themselves often do not vote for female candidates, a barrier that needs to be addressed for greater female participation in political representation.

    “We all came from women. Personally I am blessed with four beautiful daughters. The success of this bill will open the doors of greater political participation for our female children,” he said, while advising the advocates to do more to win more converts for the bill to scale through. 

    In her speech, Mrs Igbinedion said, “We are here today to speak on behalf of millions of Nigerian women — farmers, entrepreneurs, market traders, doctors, teachers, and mothers — whose voices have for too long been underrepresented in the highest chambers of our democracy. 

    “The Reserved Seats for Women Bill offers us a rare opportunity to correct that historic imbalance to finally give women a seat at the table where national decisions are made. 

    “Nigeria currently ranks among the lowest in Africa for women’s representation in parliament, with women occupying less than 5% of seats in the National Assembly. This is not just a gender issue — It is a governance issue, a democracy issue, and a development issue. 

    “The evidence is clear: when women are involved in policymaking, we see stronger communities, more inclusive legislation, and better outcomes in health, education, and peace-building. Representation matters — not just symbolically, but substantively. 

    Read Also: Akpabio constitutes standing committees for regional commissions

    “This bill is not asking for charity; it is calling for justice. It is not about reducing the space for men; it is about expanding the possibilities for Nigeria. By creating reserved seats for women, we are not limiting merit — we are correcting systemic exclusion. 

    “Mr. President, your endorsement of this bill will be a turning point. It will send a powerful message across Nigeria — that this Senate is ready to lead with integrity, to legislate with empathy, and to act with boldness in pursuit of equality,” she said. 

    The Senate President and other Senators present were decorated with the “I support reserved seats for women bill” badge.