Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly refuted recent reports suggesting that there are plans to unseat him as the presiding officer of the 10th Senate. He categorically dismissed these reports as malicious and unfounded.
Akpabio emphasized that the Senate, under his leadership, remains stable and harmonious and will not be distracted by what he views as a syndicated media attack originating from outside the National Assembly.
Recent media reports had claimed that there were efforts underway to remove Akpabio from the position of Senate President when the Senate reconvenes on September 26, 2023. The reports also suggested that some senators, particularly from the North West, were meeting and planning this move, alleging that Akpabio was perceived as a “rubber stamp” for the presidency.
In response to these allegations, Senator Akpabio, through his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) Hon Eseme Eyiboh, described the reports as mere fabrications, often fueled by malice and driven by unknown motives. He stressed that the Senate had moved beyond the highly contested leadership elections and noted that there was no basis for these conspiracy theories.
Eyiboh pointed out that senators were currently on a break, taking time to refresh themselves after the rigorous activities related to the inauguration, ministerial screening, and other legislative engagements. He urged the media not to lend credence to these unfounded conspiracy tales and to refrain from tarnishing the reputations of senators who had unanimously supported Senator Akpabio’s leadership.
In conclusion, Akpabio’s statement sought to dispel the notion of any ongoing subversive plots within the Senate and called for responsible reporting on the matter.