In the dynamic chambers of Nigeria’s National Assembly, where power dynamics constantly evolve, one individual has captured widespread attention: Godswill Akpabio.
His unexpected elevation to the Senate Presidency stirred both surprise and controversy.
Akpabio’s journey to power was swift. Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume’s nomination propelled him to victory with 63 votes, triumphing over his rival, Abdulaziz Yari.
The swearing-in ceremony painted a picture of joyous celebration, yet Nigeria remained unaware of the storm brewing on the horizon.
Gaffes and the Holiday Bribe
On the Senate floor, Akpabio’s verbal acrobatics were on full display. His “holiday bribe” remark, aired live, sent shockwaves throughout the chamber. It was as if senators, reminiscent of children, were squabbling over pocket money for their recess.
The analogy struck a nerve among Nigerians already grappling with austerity measures, provoking widespread outrage.
Senator Ndume, who had previously championed Akpabio’s cause, issued a stern rebuke. “Elders,” Ndume declared, “shouldn’t jest with national sacrifice.”
Procedural Missteps and Cloud of Corruption
From the Senate floor to corridors of power, Akpabio’s procedural blunders stirred discontent among colleagues. What should have been a dance of parliamentary protocol turned into a stumbling waltz under his leadership.
Ndume, always vigilant, pointed out these infringements, causing ripples in the typically decorous Senate.
Before Akpabio donned the Senate President’s robe, corruption allegations shadowed his path. As the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, he flirted with scandal, with funds disappearing like whispers in the Harmattan wind.
In the hallowed halls of the Senate, whispers of impeachment echoed ominously. Behind closed doors, some senators clandestinely plotted, casting doubt on Akpabio’s leadership abilities.
Who is Godswill Akpabio?
Godswill Akpabio, born on December 9, 1962, is a prominent Nigerian lawyer and politician.
Hailing from Ukana, Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area, now part of Akwa Ibom State, he faced early adversity, losing his father and being raised by his mother.
Akpabio began his education at Methodist Primary School in Ukana before attending the Federal Government College in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He later earned a law degree from the University of Calabar in Cross River State. His political journey has been diverse.
He served as the 3rd Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015.
Subsequently, Akpabio represented the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate from 2015 to 2019 and resumed his tenure in 2023.
Transitioning through various political roles, Godswill Akpabio’s journey has been emblematic of resilience and adaptability.
From his tenure as the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 to 2022, to assuming the prestigious role of the 15th President of the Nigerian Senate in 2023, Akpabio has left an indelible mark on Nigerian politics.
Akpabio’s family lineage is steeped in political heritage. His grandfather, Okuku Udo Akpabio, was a revered Warrant Chief in Ikot Ekpene province. Continuing this legacy, his uncle, Dr. I. U. Akpabio, served as the Minister of Education/Internal Affairs in the then Eastern Nigeria.
Furthermore, his cousin, Justice Nsima Akpabio, contributed to the political landscape as a senator during the Second Nigerian Republic.
Tenure as The Nigerian Senate President
The events of June 13, 2023, marked a significant turning point in Nigerian politics as Mohammed Ali Ndume, the All Progressive Congress senator representing Borno South, put forth the nomination of Akpabio during the vote for Senate President.
With 63 votes, Akpabio secured victory over his closest rival, Abdulaziz Yari, who garnered 46 votes.
The swearing-in ceremony portrayed Akpabio flanked by Ndume and Senator Adeola Olamilekan, all adorned with smiles. However, Akpabio’s tenure has been overshadowed by numerous gaffes and controversies.
In the lead-up to the Senate’s annual recess, Akpabio’s on-camera announcement that money had been dispatched to senators to “enjoy” their holiday sparked outrage.
Many Nigerians interpreted this as a blatant attempt at bribery, particularly during a period when the government was urging public austerity measures.
Senator Ndume, the very man who nominated Akpabio, reprimanded him for his careless remarks, stating that such behavior was unbecoming of an elder.
Ndume even went as far as to issue a stern warning, threatening drastic measures if Akpabio persisted in making reckless statements.
Tensions escalated between Ndume and Akpabio during plenary sessions, with Ndume publicly criticising Akpabio for alleged violations of parliamentary protocol in the Senate.
Prior to assuming the role of Senate President, Akpabio faced grave corruption allegations.
As the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, he was embroiled in accusations of corruption and mismanagement of funds, levelled by various sources, including the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Although these allegations did not hinder his election, they cast a dark cloud over his leadership.
Following his ascension, reports emerged of senators plotting to impeach Akpabio, citing his purported inability to discharge his duties effectively. However, his special adviser on media swiftly dismissed these allegations as groundless.
Akpabio’s tenure has been characterized by a mix of achievements and controversies.
His unexpected elevation to the Senate Presidency, combined with procedural missteps and lingering corruption accusations, continues to fuel scrutiny and debate surrounding his leadership.
While his media adviser dismissed the rumours, the spectre of impeachment lingered. The pressing question remained, would Akpabio’s tenure be abruptly cut short?
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