Akpabio

Surge in Terror Attacks Aims to Distract Tinubu, says Akpabio

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  The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the intensified spate of terrorist attacks across the country is a “gang up” to distract President Bola Tinubu’s reforms. Akpabio made the assertion during his goodwill message at the official commissioning of the Nigeria Revenue Service Headquarters, Abuja. He said, “Believe me, Mr President, two weeks after you win the elections, the bomb blasts will stop. People are sponsoring it to distract you from your work. “You’re doing so well despite the gang up on your administration.” His comments come barely 24 hours after Tinubu held closed-door talks with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and a French general at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Sources close to the President who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity described Monday’s engagement as part of intensified collaboration on Nigeria’s security situation. The meeting, which began at about 2:00 pm on Monday, was Tinubu’s first official engagement since his return from Bayelsa on Friday. It came three weeks after the President announced that France had agreed to supply military equipment and training to Nigerian forces battling insurgency in the North-East. Akpabio’s comments come against the backdrop of rapidly deteriorating security conditions across Nigeria, including a controversial air strike on Saturday that killed over 100 civilians, and a fresh United States advisory authorising the voluntary departure of non-emergency embassy staff from Abuja. On Saturday, a Nigerian Air Force strike targeting Boko Haram insurgents hit the Jilli market in Yobe State, near the Borno border, killing over 40 civilians, including children. Amnesty International cited survivors and hospital authorities confirming the death toll, with local sources putting the figure as high as 200. The military defended the operation as a precision strike on a terrorist logistics hub, but Amnesty International condemned what it described as “reckless use of deadly force” and called for an independent investigation. The Presidency also defended the operation. Speaking with Bloomberg earlier on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said, “The market was a legitimate military target because it has been turned into a logistics and trading hub by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.” Military air raids have killed at least 500 civilians since 2017, according to multiple reports, with failures in intelligence gathering and coordination between ground forces and air assets cited as contributing factors. Days earlier, on April 8, the United States Department of State authorised the voluntary departure of non-emergency government employees and family members from the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation. The move elevated 23 Nigerian states to a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning, the highest risk category, including newly added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states. The US highlighted threats from Islamist insurgents in the Northeast, criminal gangs in the Northwest, and ongoing violence in parts of southern and southeastern Nigeria, including oil-producing regions. The embassy said visa appointments in Abuja had been suspended, though the Lagos consulate continues to provide routine and emergency services. The Federal Government said the travel alert was guided by US internal protocols and did not reflect the overall security situation across Nigeria. “While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” Minister Mohammed Idris stated. Nigeria is battling multiple security threats across its six geopolitical zones, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgency in the Northeast, banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest and North-Central regions, and separatist violence in the Southeast.

Akpabio Disowns Viral Post Mocking Trump on Christian Genocide Claims

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Akpabio Disowns Viral Post Mocking Trump on Christian Genocide Claims

  The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has distanced himself from a viral social media post linking him to comments allegedly mocking United States President Donald Trump over his recent threat of military action in Nigeria, describing the statement as “completely fabricated, malicious, and reckless.” The clarification was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, following a post published by a social media platform known as Rant HQ. The controversial post had quoted Akpabio as saying, “The killing is taking place in Nigeria, not in USA, Trump should focus on US. Nigerians are not complaining about the killings, we are fully satisfied with the condition of Nigeria.” The statement, which quickly went viral, drew outrage online and sparked debates amid heightened diplomatic tension following Trump’s remarks accusing Nigeria of widespread Christian persecution. In his reaction, Akpabio’s media office denied ever issuing such a statement — “not publicly, privately, in writing, or in conversation.” “The post is a total falsehood, a product of mischief, and a desperate attempt to incite misunderstanding between Senator Godswill Akpabio and US President Donald Trump, as well as between Nigeria and its international partners,” Eyiboh said. He added that the accompanying photograph used by Rant HQ — showing the Senate President at an unrelated official event — was “deceptively deployed to lend false credibility to a fabricated quote that was never uttered by him.” “Senator Akpabio is a statesman of global repute and a respected advocate of international friendship, diplomacy, and mutual respect among nations. “He holds President Donald Trump in high regard as a historic figure and a leader of a great nation. The US president’s comment, made after designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious persecution, has divided opinion globally. But Akpabio’s office reiterated that the Senate remains focused on legislative duties and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, urging the media and the public to verify information before dissemination. “The Office of the President of the Senate remains committed to transparency, truth, and responsible communication — both in Nigeria and on the international stage,” the statement concluded.

Akpabio Not Bigger Than Nigeria’s Constitution – Natasha

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Akpabio Not Bigger Than Nigeria’s Constitution – Natasha

  Suspended lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, cautioned Senate President Godswill Akpabio against placing himself above the Nigerian Constitution. The senator also accused the Senate leadership of violating a valid court order by preventing her from resuming duties at the National Assembly. She disclosed this in an interview with journalists at the assembly complex. The senator representing Kogi Central arrived at the National Assembly complex to reclaim her seat following a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, which nullified her suspension. However, she was denied entry by security personnel at the gate. Fuming after the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the development as a deliberate act of contempt by the Senate, particularly targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio. “Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. I want Nigerians to know that the Office of the Senate President doesn’t give me legitimacy as a senator. The fact that he has done an appeal does not invalidate the decision of Justice Binta Nyako, and that does not stop me from being a senator. “I got my legitimacy as a senator from the people of Kogi who voted me into office as senator,” she said. The embattled senator said her continued exclusion speaks volumes about the state of Nigeria’s democracy. “That I’ve been denied entrance to the National Assembly is a statement being made. It’s on record that the National Assembly under Akpabio has decided to be in contempt of a court decision, and it’s quite ironic that they are lawmakers. “That poses the question: how far is our democracy in this day and age?” she stated. Akpoti-Uduaghan also faulted the legality of her initial suspension by the Senate. “Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent—the document was faulty,” she stated. She revealed that her legal team would be approaching the appellate court for further interpretation and redress. “Going forward, I will have a meeting with my legal team so they can proceed to the appellate court to seek interpretation into what just happened. I’m a law-abiding citizen,” she added. As of press time, the Senate leadership had not released any statement on Tuesday’s standoff at the National Assembly. Punch

Akpabio Congratulates Okpebholo On Supreme Court Victory

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Akpabio Congratulates Okpebholo On Supreme Court Victory

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on his confirmation as the duly elected candidate in the September 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo. Akpabio, in a congratulatory message personally signed by him on Friday in Abuja, described the Supreme Court verdict as the triumph of democracy and the will of the people. Akpabio said, “What the apex court in the land has done is to affirm the will and wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State. It shows that the election was transparent, free and fair. “The declaration by the Supreme Court in favour of Sen. Okpebholo against Mr Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party has proven that elections are won at the ballot and by people who have identified with the grassroots.” The Senate President added that the ruling confirmed Okpebholo’s grassroots popularity and the growing acceptance of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State. He added, “This milestone affirms Okpebholo’s mandate and paves the way for him to continue delivering exceptional service to the good people of Edo. “He has done well in the past seven months, and I believe he will do excellently well in his four-year tenure. “My distinguished brother, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, on behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations to you and the wonderful people of Edo on this landmark victory at the Supreme Court.” He assured the governor of the Senate’s support and collaboration in promoting the state’s development. “Congratulations once again, Gov Okpebholo. I look forward to a robust working relationship with you,” the Senate President said. NAN reports that in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, the apex court dismissed as lacking in merit an appeal the candidate of Ighodalo filed to nullify the outcome of the governorship election. The apex court held that it found no reason to set aside the concurrent judgments of both the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which returned Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the valid winner of the gubernatorial contest. It held that the Appellant failed to adduce credible and admissible evidence to substantiate his claim that the election was marred by irregularities that included over-voting and substantial non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act. Likewise, it held that the Appellant failed to call relevant witnesses to demonstrate some of the evidence he tendered in support of his case, especially the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines. It held that some of the proof of evidence, which were tendered from the Bar, were merely dumped on the tribunal without establishing alleged non-compliance in 432 out of a total of 4,519 polling units in the state. NAN

Tinubu Concerned Over Opposition’s Lack Of Unity—Akpabio

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  The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has stated that President Bola Tinubu, is interested in a vibrant opposition, urging the main opposition People’s Democratic Party, and the Labour Party, to put their houses in order. Akpabio made the statement during the inauguration of Arterial Road N20 Interchange Bridges. Referencing the recent crisis in the PDP regarding the position of the National Secretary of the party, and the recent defection of Senator Neda Imasuen, Senate Committee Chairman on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, from the Labour Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Senate President said the President was saddened to see the opposition in disarray. “However you people got yourself into this confusion, try and get yourself out of it very quickly. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is interested in seeing a vibrant opposition. As a true democrat, we would like to see a very vibrant opposition in the country. It saddens him when he sees the way the opposition in Nigeria is in disarray. “Just before I came here to represent him (Tinubu), I received and read a letter from the Labour Party. So it’s not only PDP that is in disarray. Even the Labour Party is cracked. And people who are strong members of the Labour Party are angling to run Nigeria when they cannot put a small political party like that in order,” he said. Akpabio also stated that he wasn’t tired of receiving defectors to the APC, adding that the party’s doors were open. “Senator Neda Imasuen just decamped this afternoon from the Labour Party and moved from the left-hand side of the Senate to the right-hand side. So that took my time, Honourable Minister, I had to do that ritual. “I’m not tired. I’m happy to receive them because our doors are open in the All Progressive Congress. So congratulations to Imasuen, who has decided to leave the fractured Labour Party to join the APC,” Akpabio stated. In his address, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, faulted the PDP for waiting on directives from the Independent National Electoral Commission before implementing a Supreme Court judgment that affirmed Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. Addressing the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, Wike argued that the issue of reinstating Anyanwu did not arise, noting that the Secretary was not an appointee of the Chairman, and has been working since his election. “I heard it when the acting National Chairman of PDP was directing the National Secretary to resume. The National Secretary is not your appointee. The National Secretary has been doing his work. So, you can’t call him to resume. “The National Secretary has been working and will continue to work. He doesn’t require anybody to direct him to resume work. “If it’s because of your ignorance of the law, too bad. The law does not recognize ignorance. That you’re ignorant of the law is not an excuse. I feel so bad when people can now move to INEC, for INEC to direct them to obey Supreme Court judgment, it’s most unfortunate,” he said. The FCT Minister rebuked Damagum, saying he won’t join those sabotaging themselves. He urged Damagum to seek guidance instead of acting out of ego or relying solely on allocations, adding that money isn’t the solution to every problem. “Continue to shoot yourself. I will not be a party of those who will shoot themselves. When you don’t know something, ask the right person. Not because of ego, not because of oh, I’m receiving monthly allocation. Money does not solve all the problems. “There’s nothing you can do about it. If you want to learn, come and meet us, we will teach you how to go about it,” Wike said.

Courts Summon Akpabio, Nwaebonyi Over Natasha’s Rights Violation

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  Two Federal Capital Territory High Courts have separately summoned Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, over allegations of defamation, sexual harassment, and violation of the fundamental rights of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In suit No. FCT/HC/CV/754/2025 before Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi, the court granted leave to Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the writ of summons and all accompanying processes—including hearing notices—on Senator Akpabio, both personally and in his capacity as Senate President. Also included in the summons are a senior legislative aide to Akpabio, Mr. Mfon Patrick, and the Clerk of the National Assembly. Justice Kutigi fixed June 9, 2025, for a report on the service of the summons. The court’s decision followed an ex parte motion (No. M/6603/2025) moved by U.J. Udoh, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, supported by a six-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Hamzat Mogaji, litigation manager at Victor Giwa & Associates. In a related matter, suit No. FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, Justice A.O. Otaluka also granted leave for substituted service of court documents on Senator Nwaebonyi. The decision was based on an ex parte motion filed on May 10, 2025, supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit and argued by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Michael J. Numa. The matter was adjourned to June 25, 2025, for further hearing. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently serving a six-month suspension from the Senate, has filed a ₦5b defamation lawsuit against Senator Nwaebonyi. She is challenging statements he made during a live appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on March 6, 2025. Punch  

Alleged Assassination Plot: Akpabio Petitions IG, Demands Natasha’s Prosecution

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  Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking an investigation into an alleged assassination plot made against him by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. PUNCH Online reports that the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs petitioned the police boss in a letter dated April 3, 2025. In the petition, Akpabio denied the serious accusation and called for the prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation. The petition, which was also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations on April 1, 2025.   Addressing her supporters during her homecoming in Kogi State, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of instructing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo to assassinate her in Kogi State, claiming that the act was intended to make it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death. However, Akpabio categorically denied the accusation, calling it a “heinous lie” and a “reckless and deliberate attempt” to tarnish his reputation. The Senate President labelled the allegation as politically motivated, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to incite political unrest and damage his public image. He stressed that the allegation was made without any supporting evidence. The Senate President also highlighted the severe impact of the false allegation, especially given its widespread coverage across media platforms, including radio, television, and social media. Akpabio urged law enforcement agencies to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves. He said, “I write to formally bring to your attention and seek immediate investigation and prosecution of a criminally defamatory and malicious statement made against me by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a suspended member of the Nigerian Senate on the 1st of April, 2025 and which was widely publicised on radio stations, televisions and newspapers, including the social media. “In the public outburst at Kogi State while addressing her audience, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely alleged that I instructed the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to ‘assassinate her in Kogi State instead of Abuja’ with the intent of making it appear that her constituents were responsible for her death. “This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest. “I categorically state that this allegation is entirely false, unfounded, and politically motivated. It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political villain, and the statement was made without any shred of truth or supporting evidence.” Akpabio added that the statement was intended to manipulate public sentiment and malign his person and office. He emphasised the importance of holding public officeholders accountable for their actions, particularly when such statements are intended to destabilise democratic institutions and tarnish the image of elected officials. “Her motive was clear, which was to incite the public, manipulate sentiments, and malign my person and office in the eyes of the Nigerian people and the international community. “The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves,” he added. Akpabio also called for the “immediate investigation into the false and inciting allegation” and the prosecution of “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan under the relevant provisions of the law for criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.” Punch

Akpabio Rejects Planned Solidarity Rally In A’Ibom, Warns Supporters

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  The President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio on Thursday dissociated himself from a solidarity rally being planned for him in his hometown in Akwa Ibom, saying he doesn’t know the organisers. The rebuttal was made in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media Matters, Jackson Udom. In the press release titled ‘Disregard Any Rally in Akwa Ibom purported to be in support of Senate President Godswill Akpabio’, the former governor urged his supporters to steer clear of the gathering, warning that the group behind it may have ulterior motives. He said, “The attention of the office of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has been drawn to a planned rally purported to be in support of the Senate President and organised by an unknown association by the name, Progressive Peoples’ Resolution and led by one Ubong Idemudo, a known controversial character, slated for tomorrow, April 4. “The President of the Senate is not aware of any rally organised in his support at any venue in Akwa Ibom and therefore urges his supporters and the peace-loving people of Akwa Ibom State to disregard such rally and go about their lawful duties. “The planned rally, from information pieced together, is the handiwork of fifth columnists trying to use the name of the Senate President to achieve their devilish goal.” The Senate President, therefore, urged security agencies to move swiftly into action and ensure the rally doesn’t hold. “The Police and other security agencies in the state are by this statement directed to ensure that such satanic rally is not allowed to hold, as such has no approval of the Senate President,” the statement read. Punch

Natasha Sues Akpabio For Defamation, Demands N100.3bn Damages

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  Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for alleged defamation. The PUNCH reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns after her Senate seat was reassigned following a reshuffle triggered by opposition members switching to the majority wing. She resisted the relocation, leading to a confrontation between her and the Senate President. However, in a suit filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on 25 February 2025, the President of the Senate, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Mfon Patrick, were listed as the second and third defendants. In the suit, marked CV/737/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, alleged that defamatory statements were made by the Senate President and published by his aide on Facebook. According to him, the post, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” included a statement suggesting that Akpoti-Uduaghan believed being a lawmaker was only about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.” Giwa argued that the statement was defamatory, provocative, and disparaging, lowering his client’s dignity in the eyes of her colleagues and the public. He stated, “A DECLARATION that the words, ‘It is bottled anger by the Kogi lawmaker, who knows nothing about legislative rules. She thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers,’ used and written by the third defendant at the prompting of the first and second defendants, is defamatory and intended to cause public opprobrium and disaffection toward the claimant.” She also urged the court to restrain the defendants and their associates from making further defamatory statements against her on any platform. “AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the defendants, whether acting by themselves or through their agents, privies, assigns, or associates, from further publishing or causing to be published the said defamatory words or any similar publications about the claimant on social media or in any other manner capable of defaming her,” she stated. Furthermore, Akpoti-Uduaghan asked the court to order the defendants to pay her N100 billion in general damages and N300 million as litigation costs. “An order for the payment of the sum of N100,000,000,000 as general damages. An order for the payment of the sum of N300,000,000 as the cost of action,” she prayed. Punch

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