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Tag: Akpabio

  • Group raises the alarm over alleged plot to remove Akpabio as Senate President

    Group raises the alarm over alleged plot to remove Akpabio as Senate President

    A group, National Grassroots Movement (NGM), has raised the alarm over the alleged plot to remove Godswill Akpabio as  Senate President.

    The plot, according to the NGM, was a calculated move to destabilise the National Assembly and undermine President Bola Tinubu ‘s administration ahead of the 2027 election.

    In a statement by the Hon. Tunde Felix, National Coordinator and Alhaji Musa Mustapha, National Publicity Secretary, the group fingered a prominent senator from the South south as the mastermind of the plot.

    According to the NGM, the South south senator intends to take over as Senate President, alleging his desperation to cause confusion in the National Assembly.

    The statement reads in parts: “The National Grassroots Movement raises the alarm over credible political maneuvers pointing to a well-coordinated scheme by a bloc of Northern senators to remove the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for selfish and destabilizing purposes.

    ‘This scheme is not motivated by principle, reform, or legislative conscience, but by desperation—a calculated power grab fueled by wounded pride and the pursuit of political relevance, aimed at installing a prominent Senator from the Southsouth as Senate President through orchestrated alliances and sectional maneuvering.

    “The National Grassroots Movement views this as a dangerous escalation by the Senator, who has lost political confidence within the Presidency and is now seeking relevance by turning the National Assembly into a theatre of distraction—intended to slow, frustrate, and weaken the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

    “Senator Godswill Akpabio has provided steady and nationally balanced leadership to the 10th National Assembly, refusing to turn the Senate into an opposition arena. His collaborative approach with the Executive has been crucial in stabilizing governance at a time when Nigeria requires discipline, unity, and decisive action”.

    The statement further reads: “While leadership changes in the National Assembly are constitutionally permissible, deliberately engineering such changes through premeditated alliances, sectional calculations, or personal vendettas—rather than genuine national interest and broad consensus—raises serious concerns about motive and its impact on legislative stability.

    “The National Grassroots Movement condemns any attempt to weaponize ethnicity, region, or numerical strength to seize Senate leadership. The National Assembly must not become a battleground for personal scores or fading political influence.

    “The Movement therefore warns, unequivocally, that Nigerians are watching. Party members are alert. Any effort to create crisis for narrow ambition will be resisted politically, exposed publicly, and rejected morally.

    “The Senator must be reminded that the APC is not a vehicle for personal vendettas, nor is the National Assembly a tool to destabilize a government elected by Nigerians. Loyalty to the party, respect for institutions, and commitment to national stability must take precedence over personal ambition.

    “The National Grassroots Movement calls on all party members, patriotic Nigerians, and democratic stakeholders to remain vigilant, reject manipulation, and defend institutional integrity. Sectional ambition must not override national interest, and anyone attempting to sabotage the Tinubu administration or destabilize the Senate will be held accountable

    ‘The National Grassroots Movement stands resolutely with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, and the Tinubu administration, and will mobilize politically and intellectually to defend legislative stability, party unity, and democratic order”.

  • Yuletide: Akpabio lifts Eket women with fishing boats

    Yuletide: Akpabio lifts Eket women with fishing boats

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Boxing Day presented 10 outboard engine fishing boats to women and cooperative groups of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District as part of his constituency project. 

    The women and cooperative societies were drawn from the riverine communities of Akwa Ibom State and have fishing as the mainstay of the economy of the area, according to a statement by the Senate President’s media office in Abuja. 

    At the ceremony, the wife of the President of the Senate, Dr (Mrs) Ekaette Unoma Akpabio thanked the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio for remembering the women from the riverine communities of Akwa Ibom State. 

    She said the women were drawn from Eket Senatorial District because her husband is the Senate President for all, irrespective of the Senatorial Districts.

    In his remarks, Akpabio commended the beneficiaries for their support. He said he had always enjoyed the support of women in Akwa Ibom State and therefore felt the need to empower them in their fishing business. 

    He told the women, “I can never forget your love; I can never forget your prayers, I can never forget your support. We are still standing strong because you are still praying. 

    “Let me thank you in advance for the support you will give to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Today I’m making you also fishers of men. The nets will be for you to drag as much votes as possible for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in your Senatorial District. 

    “The President is very happy with Akwa Ibom State. Governor Umo Eno has made us proud. He is touching lives and making sure that human capital development is a major focus of his administration. Mine is to urge you to support him,” he said. 

    According to the Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Victor Antai, who coordinated the presentation, each of the boats have fishing nets, refrigerator and extra tanks for fueling the boats and powering the outboard engines. 

    The big boats have double 75 horsepower engines while the smaller boats have 40 horsepower engines.

    A representative of the beneficiaries, Mma Nkoyo Isong expressed their appreciation to Senator Akpabio and his wife for empowering the women to fish instead of merely giving them fish.

     She said the women will reciprocate the kind gesture by their continued support for the Senate President and his party in the next general elections.

    A few of the boats were brought for the symbolic presentation while Akpabio read out the names of the individual beneficiaries and the Cooperative Societies.

  • Banditry will be defeated in 2026, Akpabio assures Nigerians

    Banditry will be defeated in 2026, Akpabio assures Nigerians

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed optimism that banditry and other security challenges confronting the country will be defeated in 2026 and beyond, urging Nigerians to work collectively towards a more peaceful and equitable nation.

    Akpabio called on citizens to set aside their differences, embrace peace and foster unity within their families, states and the country at large, stressing that national development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.

    He made the appeal during a prayer and fasting service organised in honour of the Akpabio family at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Ukana Ikot Ntuen, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President was quoted as saying: “I want to wish all Nigerians a very prosperous and peaceful new year. I want to assure all Nigerians that the new year will usher in renewed peace in our country.”

    Read Also: Akpabio raises hope on Ibadan State creation

    Waxing philosophical, Akpabio said: “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son to be born as a man so as to redeem mankind. By the reason of the birth of Jesus Christ, Nigerians will be redeemed from banditry and insurgency in the new year and beyond.”

    The Senate President urged Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliations, to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the fight against banditry and insurgency, expressing confidence that renewed collaboration with international partners would ensure the defeat of insecurity.

    He also underscored the critical role of the family in promoting peace and progress, noting that unity remains the foundation of collective success.

    In her remarks, the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, encouraged family members to support one another selflessly, set aside personal biases and live together in love.

  • Banditry will be defeated in 2026, Akpabio assures Nigerians

    Banditry will be defeated in 2026, Akpabio assures Nigerians

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed optimism that banditry and other security challenges confronting the country will be defeated in 2026 and beyond, urging Nigerians to work collectively towards a more peaceful and equitable nation.

    Akpabio called on citizens to set aside their differences, embrace peace and foster unity within their families, states and the country at large, stressing that national development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.

    He made the appeal during a prayer and fasting service organised in honour of the Akpabio family at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Ukana Ikot Ntuen, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President was quoted as saying: “I want to wish all Nigerians a very prosperous and peaceful new year. I want to assure all Nigerians that the new year will usher in renewed peace in our country.”

    Waxing philosophical, Akpabio said: “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son to be born as a man so as to redeem mankind. By the reason of the birth of Jesus Christ, Nigerians will be redeemed from banditry and insurgency in the new year and beyond.”

    The Senate President urged Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliations, to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the fight against banditry and insurgency, expressing confidence that renewed collaboration with international partners would ensure the defeat of insecurity.

    He also underscored the critical role of the family in promoting peace and progress, noting that unity remains the foundation of collective success.

    In her remarks, the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, encouraged family members to support one another selflessly, set aside personal biases and live together in love.

    The family head of the Greater Akpabio Family, Chief Ekan Akpabio, urged members to continue supporting Senator Akpabio as a worthy ambassador of the family, Essien Udim Local Government Area and Akwa Ibom State.

    Chief Akpabio further appealed to family members holding political positions to remain connected to their roots and prioritise the welfare of their relatives.

    The annual prayer and fasting service, held every December 26, provides an opportunity for the Akpabio family to express gratitude to God for His sustenance throughout the year, while offering prayers for peace and unity in Nigeria.

  • NYCN to honour Akpabio, Abbas, Tunji-Ojo, Uzodimma, others today

    NYCN to honour Akpabio, Abbas, Tunji-Ojo, Uzodimma, others today

    The National Youth Congress of Nigeria (NYCN) has unveiled its 2025 list of honorees.

    The national youths’ body has named eight distinguished Nigerians as the ‘Outstanding Personalities’ of the year.

    Those listed for the awards include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

    Others are: Governors Ahmed Ododo (Kogi) Mohammed Umaru Bago (Niger); Senator Basheer Lado, and Judith Ogbara.

    In a statement on the grand ceremony scheduled for today, the NYCN emphasised that the awards were not routine accolades but the result of a rigorous, independent selection process conducted only once a year.

    It said the awards are reserved exclusively for leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and measurable impact during the award period.

    The NYCN dubbed the awards as the “2025 Hall of Fame: Icons of Excellence”.

    The organisers said the awardees were selected for their visionary governance, legislative excellence, and people-centred reforms.

    Read Also: Yuletide: Lagos Police deploys 5,000 traffic officers, intensifies surveillance

    While Akpabio is recognised as an Icon of Parliamentary Excellence and Uncommon Leadership for his stabilising role in the National Assembly, Speaker Abbas is to be honoured as an Icon of Legislative Excellence and Leadership for his transformative legislative agenda.

    Bago is distinguished as the Best Governor in Agriculture and Empowerment for his landmark ‘Green Economy’ initiatives; Ododo is named Best Governor in Security and Youth Emancipation for his proactive safety measures and youth-focused governance.

    Uzodimma is to be awarded Best Governor in National Development for his strategic contributions to national integration; Senator Lado, (Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters) is named an Icon of Legislative Prudence and Top-Notch Service Delivery for his mastery of executive-legislative synergy; Tunji-Ojo is recognised as the Outstanding Minister of the Year for his revolutionary reforms in internal security and passport processing, and Ogbara (Chairperson, GEEEEP) is singled out for honour as the Outstanding Female Emancipator of the Year for her tireless advocacy for girls and women development.

    According to the NYCN, the awards serve to celebrate those whose contributions align with Nigeria’s developmental priorities and offer sustainable solutions to national challenges.

    “We do not confer these honours lightly,” said a spokesperson for the congress, Babangida Onimisi Isah.

    “By recognising these outstanding personalities of the year, we are setting a benchmark for integrity and performance. Each recipient has delivered tangible results that directly improve the lives of Nigerians, particularly the youth.”

  • Akpabio raises hope on Ibadan State creation

    Akpabio raises hope on Ibadan State creation

    There are indications that all hope is not lost on the clamour for the creation of Ibadan State, as the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday raised the hope of the people on the possibility of its creation.

    He raised the hope of the advocates of Ibadan State creation in a remark at the Bodija home of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, when he paid a courtesy call on the monarch.

    Akpabio, accompanied by Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdulahi, Sarafadeen Ali and other high ranking senators, assured people that creation of the state would be looked into on the floor of the Senate.

    He said: ‘’Ibadan is an incoming state. The only state in Nigeria that is needed to be created by popular demand.”

    On the installation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Senate President described him as not only a blessing to Ibadanland, but also the entire Southwest.

    He says Ibadan people have made a rightful decision in their choice of Ladoja as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, noting his wealth of experience as a politician, entrepreneur and seasoned administrator.

    According to him, ‘’Ladoja as a nationalist will bring innovation to the traditional institution in the Southwest.

    Read Also: U.S., Nigeria sign $5.1b health pact to expand faith-based healthcare delivery 

    “His reign will witness a lot of progress. Ibadan people will benefit a lot during his reign.

    “Oba Ladoja has served the country as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and governor of Oyo State. His wealth of experience will be brought to bear in his new assignment as a monarch.”

    Oba Ladoja thanked the Senate President and his entourage for the visit and restated his call for the creation of Ibadan State.

    “My subjects have given me the mandate to represent their interests on all issues, including the creation of Ibadan State.

    “I placed the request of my people before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during my installation. I am repeating the same thing today. My people want Ibadan state and I want you to use your office to ensure its actualisation.

    “Another request that I want to place before you is the constitutional recognition of the traditional institution. If there is need for the amendment of the constitution, let it be done so that all this idea of removing the traditional ruler by the governor will stop forthwith.”

  • Akpabio raises fresh hope for creation of Ibadan state, visits Oba Ladoja in Ibadan

    Akpabio raises fresh hope for creation of Ibadan state, visits Oba Ladoja in Ibadan

    The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has rekindled optimism among proponents of the creation of Ibadan State, indicating that the long-standing demand may yet receive favourable consideration.

    Akpabio gave the assurance on Sunday during a courtesy visit to the Bodija private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he addressed growing calls for state creation.

    Accompanied by Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, Sarafadeen Ali, and other senior lawmakers, the Senate President assured that the issue of Ibadan State creation would be examined on the floor of the Senate.

    “Ibadan is an incoming state, the only state in Nigeria seeking creation based on popular demand,” Akpabio said.

    Speaking on the recent installation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Akpabio described the monarch as a blessing not only to Ibadanland but to the entire South-West region.

    He said the people of Ibadan made the right choice in Oba Ladoja, citing his vast experience as a politician, entrepreneur, and seasoned administrator.

    According to Akpabio, Oba Ladoja’s credentials as a nationalist would bring innovation and renewed vitality to the traditional institution in the South-West.

    “His reign will witness a lot of progress. Ibadan people will benefit a lot during his reign.

    “Oba Ladoja has served the Country as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and governor of Oyo state. His wealth of experience will be brought to bear in his new assignment as a monarch.”

    Read Also: Akpabio urges Tinubu to review directive on police withdrawal

    In his response, Oba Ladoja thanked the Senate President and his entourage for the visit and restated his call for the creation of Ibadan State.

    “My subjects have given me the mandate to represent their interests on all issues, including the creation of Ibadan State.

    “I placed the request of my people before President Bola Tinubu during my installation ceremony. I am repeating the same thing today. My people want Ibadan state, and I want you to use your office to ensure its actualization.

    “Another request that I want to place before you is the constitutional recognition of the traditional institution. If there is a need for the amendment of the constitution. Let it be done so that all this idea of removing the traditional ruler by the governor will stop forthwith.”

  • Akpabio urges Tinubu to review directive on Police withdrawal

    Akpabio urges Tinubu to review directive on Police withdrawal

    • Says some lawmakers may not go home for Yuletide

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Friday appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the directive withdrawing police orderlies from members of the National Assembly, citing safety concerns.

    Akpabio made the appeal during the presentation of the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly, by President Tinubu, warning that some lawmakers feared they might be unable to return home safely following the withdrawal.

    His said: “As we direct the security agencies to withdraw policemen from critical areas, some of the National Assembly said I should let you know they may not be able to go home today.

    “On that note, we plead with Mr President for a review of the decision.”

    Recall that President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties across the country.

    According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu issued the directive after a security meeting with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) following heightened security issues in the country.

    Read Also: Akpabio, US Envoy hold talks to strengthen Nigeria – US relations

    Under the order, VIPs requiring security are to seek protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as the Federal Government seeks to boost police presence in communities, particularly in remote areas grappling with insecurity.

    Tinubu later reaffirmed the directive on December 10, moments before presiding over the Federal Executive Council, expressing frustration over delays in implementation. He instructed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to work with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Civil Defence Corps to immediately replace withdrawn escorts to avoid exposing individuals to danger.

    “I honestly believe in what I said…It should be effected. If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” Tinubu said.

    “The minister of interior should liaise IG and the Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties.

    “So that you don’t leave people exposed,” he said.

  • Akpabio urges Tinubu to review directive on police withdrawal

    Akpabio urges Tinubu to review directive on police withdrawal

    …Says some lawmakers may not go home for Yuletide

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Friday appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the directive withdrawing police orderlies from members of the National Assembly, citing safety concerns.

    Akpabio made the appeal during the presentation of the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly, by President Tinubu, warning that some lawmakers feared they might be unable to return home safely following the withdrawal.

    His said, “As we direct the security agencies to withdraw policemen from critical areas, some of the National Assembly said I should let you know they may not be able to go home today.

    “On that note, we plead with Mr President for a review of the decision.”

    Recall that President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties across the country.

    According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu issued the directive after a security meeting with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) following heightened security issues in the country.

    Read Also: 2026 Budget: Tinubu tightens fiscal discipline

    Under the order, VIPs requiring security are to seek protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as the Federal Government seeks to boost police presence in communities, particularly in remote areas grappling with insecurity.

    Tinubu later reaffirmed the directive on December 10, moments before presiding over the Federal Executive Council, expressing frustration over delays in implementation. 

    He instructed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to work with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Civil Defence Corps to immediately replace withdrawn escorts to avoid exposing individuals to danger.

    “I honestly believe in what I said…It should be effected. If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” Tinubu said.

    “The minister of interior should liaise IG and the Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties.

    “So that you don’t leave people exposed,” he said.

  • Akpabio, US Envoy hold talks to strengthen Nigeria – US relations

    Akpabio, US Envoy hold talks to strengthen Nigeria – US relations

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jnr. held talks on Wednesday to strengthen the relations between the two countries.

    The talks were held when the US Envoy paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Senate at the National Assembly in Abuja, where they expressed their desire for a more robust diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and America.

    A statement by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator Akpabio as saying that Nigeria and America had a shared goal of operating a democratic system, as Nigeria’s democracy was modelled after the American system, and therefore, the need to nurture and preserve it.

    Read Also: Banditry: We will protect our people, says Aiyedatiwa

    According to Akpabio, “These are very difficult times, but I’m happy my distinguished colleagues are here, and we are having this engagement. This is a visit we have been looking forward to and even proposing to visit you and have an overview of the current situation between our two countries.

    “I thank you for receiving me during the 249th Independence Anniversary of your country. I congratulate you. That means you have practised democracy for 249 years. We can’t say we have done the same in Nigeria.

    “The collaboration between our countries is there, and our democracy and system of government is modelled after the United States of America.

    “One thing that I do know is that America has remained prosperous and has assisted many countries in the world because of the strong belief that: In God we trust.

    “In Nigeria, despite our religious and ethnic diversities, we also believe that God is the greatest. So we share something in common. You are welcome to the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

    In his brief remarks, Ambassador Mills said he was in the Senate to talk with the President of the Nigerian Senate about the US-Nigeria relations and how the two countries could strengthen their relations between them.

     He said he would explore how the United States Mission, in particular, could further their shared goals, and also get a sense of the legislative agenda of the Nigerian Senate in the coming year.