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Tag: Godswill Akapabio

  • Conduct of census long overdue, says Senate President Akpabio

    Conduct of census long overdue, says Senate President Akpabio

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has emphasized the urgent need for a national population census, describing it as essential for effective planning and development in Nigeria.

    Speaking during a visit from members of the National Population Commission (NPC) to brief him on preparations for the upcoming census, Akpabio noted that the last exercise was conducted in 2006—nearly two decades ago making a fresh count long overdue.

    “It would be an understatement to call it a national disgrace,” Akpabio said. “Let’s say it’s a national embarrassment that Nigerians representing the country abroad often have no accurate figure to reference.”

    He pointed out the confusion surrounding Nigeria’s population figures, which vary widely depending on the source. “Some say we are 250 million, others claim 270 million, and in some quarters, it’s even over 300 million. Now, we’re hearing estimates as low as 220 million. It’s time to put an end to the guesswork.”

    The Senate President stressed that a country that does not know the size of its population cannot plan effectively. “You can’t build enough classrooms, plan health care, or ensure food security without knowing how many people you are serving,” he said. “Without data, we are failing the next generation.”

    Akpabio assured the NPC delegation that the National Assembly would provide full backing to ensure the success of the census. “With the quality of people I see here and the seriousness of your mission, I believe once the President issues the formal proclamation, you will deliver. The Senate is committed to supporting you throughout this process,” he said.

    NPC Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, who led the delegation, said the purpose of the visit was to update the Senate President on current preparations and to request continued legislative support.

    “We cannot conduct this census without your backing,” Kwarra said. “Our goal is to deliver a credible, data-rich census that can guide policy, planning, and national development.”

  • Alleged assassination plot: Natasha urges IGP to dismiss Akpabio’s petition

    Alleged assassination plot: Natasha urges IGP to dismiss Akpabio’s petition

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to dismiss a petition filed against her by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accused her of criminal defamation and incitement.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan, recently suspended from the Senate over alleged misconduct, responded through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, asserting that Akpabio’s petition was a ploy to divert attention from serious allegations involving threats to her life.

    Akpabio had earlier written to the IGP, claiming the senator falsely accused him of plotting her assassination — allegations he described as “heinous lies” intended to damage his reputation and provoke unrest.

    However, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that Akpabio should instead be investigated for his alleged involvement in threats against her. Her legal team emphasized that the Senate President cannot accuse her of incitement until a thorough investigation into her claims has been concluded.

    “The Senate President is a principal suspect in a case involving threats to our client’s life, including the unlawful withdrawal of her security detail reportedly at his behest,” Giwa said in the statement.

    He added, “Until these serious allegations are properly investigated and found to be baseless, Akpabio’s petition should not be entertained. It serves only to distract security agencies from the real issue.”

    The senator’s legal team urged the IGP to disregard Akpabio’s petition, calling it “diversionary” and an attempt to undermine the investigation into the alleged threat against her.

  • Ethics committee proceedings must be aired live, Senator Natasha insists as group petitions Senate

    Ethics committee proceedings must be aired live, Senator Natasha insists as group petitions Senate

    The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has insisted that Ethics committee proceedings must be aired live.

    She also vowed to expose the leadership style of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Her declaration comes after she was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee following a confrontation with Akpabio over a seating arrangement dispute.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she was ready to appear before the committee but insisted that the proceedings should be open to the public rather than conducted behind closed doors.

    She made this known in a post on her Instagram account, calling for a live broadcast of the probe.

    “Good morning, courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria,” she wrote. “Inasmuch as I have refrained from publicly speaking on the matter and a lot of occurrences at the Senate under Senate President Akpabio, it’s about time I break my silence.

    “Arise News, set a date, and I shall be in your studio in person. Spare no questions.

    “And to Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe, which I shall insist would be covered live. The next few days and weeks shall be interesting but will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership.”

    The senator’s reaction followed a petition filed against her by the Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

    The petition accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of corruption, abuse of power, and mistreatment of staff within the Senate Committee on Local Content, which she chairs.

    The petition urged the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to conduct a thorough investigation into her alleged “illegal, subversive, and intimidating activities” and impose necessary disciplinary measures.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan has, however, maintained her innocence and insisted on transparency, promising to speak openly about the allegations and other issues within the Senate leadership.

    Trouble started last week when the female Kogi lawmaker confronted the Senate President over the relocation of her seat at the Senate.

    In the heated exchange of words, Akpabio called on the Senate security to walk Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the chambers.

    Intervention by other senators, however, saved the day. But the Senate, in a statement by its spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, berated Akpoti-Uduaghan for standing up to the Senate President, reminding her that the Senate is not for entertainment.

    On Tuesday, the Kogi lawmaker filed a N100.3bn defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and others

    Abdulrahman Zakariyau
    Abdulrahman has nearly ten years of experience reporting on political parties, elections, religion, civil society organizations, the Nigeria Governors Forum, and more.

  • SERAP files a lawsuit against Akpabio, Abbas for ‘fixing NASS running costs

    SERAP files a lawsuit against Akpabio, Abbas for ‘fixing NASS running costs

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas over their failure to end what the group said is “the apparently unlawful practice by the National Assembly of fixing its allowances and running costs.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently alleged that the lawmakers fix their own salaries and allowances, contrary to the recommendation of the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC).

    In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1289/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to end the apparently unlawful practice of the National Assembly fixing its remuneration and allowances termed as ‘running cost’.”

    SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to disclose the exact amount of the monthly running costs being paid to and received by the lawmakers, and the spending details of any such running costs.”

    SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to end the alleged practice of paying remuneration and allowances termed as ‘running costs’ into the personal accounts of lawmakers.”

    In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The provisions of paragraph N, section 32(d) of the Third Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] clearly make it unlawful for the National Assembly to fix its salaries, allowances and running costs.”

    SERAP is also arguing that, “the alleged practice of paying running costs into the personal accounts of lawmakers is a fundamental breach of Rule 713 of the Federal Government Financial Regulations, which provides that ‘public money shall not be paid into a private bank account.’”

    According to SERAP, “‘Public function’ means activities in the public interest, not against it. The reports that lawmakers are fixing their own salaries, allowances and running costs amount to private self-interest or self-dealing. It is also detrimental to the public interest.”

    SERAP is also arguing that, “The allegations that lawmakers are fixing their own salaries, allowances and running costs are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the constitutional oath of office and the object and purpose of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party.”

    The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Andrew Nwankwo, and Ms Blessing Ogwuche, read in part: “Directing and compelling the lawmakers to account for and return any misused or mismanaged running costs they collected would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.

    “SERAP is seeking: an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to refer the allegations on the misuse of the running costs received by members to appropriate anticorruption agencies for investigation and prosecution where there is relevant admissible evidence”.

    The group said, “Nigerians have a right to scrutinize how their lawmakers spend their tax money and the commonwealth. Nigerians also have a right to honest and faithful performance by their public officials including lawmakers.”

    Ending the reported practice by lawmakers of fixing their salaries, allowances and running costs would improve public confidence in the integrity and honesty of the National Assembly.

    “It is a travesty and a fundamental breach of their fiduciary duties for members of the National Assembly to fix their own salaries, allowances and running costs.

    “According to our information, members of the National Assembly are currently fixing their own salaries, allowances and running costs. The running costs are reportedly paid directly into the personal accounts of members.”

    No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

     

  • We need to set up a reconciliation committee in Akwa Ibom – Akpabio

    We need to set up a reconciliation committee in Akwa Ibom – Akpabio

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has tasked the All Progressives Congress (APC), to set up a reconciliatory committee in Akwa Ibom to address the internal crisis in the state.

    Akpabio said this on Friday when he addressed a stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo, promising to reposition the party, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “We will make sure that APC in Akwa Ibom is one, we will give people option that either you belong to us or to them.

    “There should not be in-between. We are going to resolve all the issues in APC, we are going to advice some people you can’t be here and there.

    “I’ve mandated the Chairman of the party to set up a reconciliation committee in the state, we have to bring our members together. If we are united, there is no barrier that we can’t break.

    “I pray against confusion among my leaders not in Uyo alone but in all the senatorial districts, we must reconcile among ourselves,” he said.
    Akpabio expressed optimism that the APC would take over the state in 2027 general elections.

    ‘’It will be an aberration for the number three citizen not to have a governor from the same party at the end of an election.

    “You know wherever the senate president is, that is where the party is.

    “Is it possible that Nigeria will give Akwa Ibom the number three citizen and at the end of the election, it will not produce an APC governor,” he said.

    The senate president also blamed the inability of the APC to win the Awka North East and Akwa South senate seats at the 2023 poll on lack of coordination.

    “So, I didn’t know whether you were serious, but in 2027, I want to assure you that we will be more serious.

    “I tried to call them, give me your campaign plan, they refused to give it to me. Is there any where I will enter that people will not vote for APC?

    “Look at what the other side did; they gave President Tinubu 120,000 votes but Uyo and Eket combined ended up with only 40,000 votes,” he said.

    Earlier, the state APC chairman, Mr Stephen Ntukekpo, lauded President Bola Tinubu for ensuring inclusiveness in his administration and pledged continuous support and loyalty to the party.

  • Senate President condole with Lawan on mother’s death

    Senate President condole with Lawan on mother’s death

    Senate President Condoles Lawan On Mother’s Death

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has mourned the death of Hajiya Halima (Baba) Ibrahim, the mother of the immediate past President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan.

    In a condolence letter to Senator Lawan, Akpabio expressed gratitude for the sacrifices and maternal tenacity provided by Hajiya Halima, which helped him in attaining his laurels in academia and Nigeria’s political space.

    Akpabio, in the letter said that Nigeria at this time, needs more mothers like her, who looked beyond the present towards directing their children unto lasting legacies.

    “Hajiya Halima will be etched in our national memory not only for being a virtuous mother, but as a woman, who played her role in raising up a child who rose to the top of academia and our political orbit.

    Akpabio wrote in the condolence letter personally signed by him. “I am particularly impressed by the maternal support she provided in guiding you through your years of primary and secondary education in Gashua, despite her own limited education. Such foresight and maternal instincts in craving the best for their children must be commended and should be a guiding spirit for our mothers everywhere.

    “I dare say, Your Excellency, that Nigeria at this time needs more mothers like yours, who must look beyond effervescent grandeur that society offers towards lasting imprints that define lasting legacies. Your mother chose and encouraged you in the path of intellectual attainment and it proved to be a better choice for you, your family and Nigeria.

    “I can only imagine her satisfaction as you progressed in life knowing that the sacrifices were worth it.

    “My brother, I mourn with you and join all your well wishers to pray for the repose of her soul in Aljannah Firdaus,” Akpabio wrote.

  • Akpabio, Barau, others storm APC National Secretariat to show appreciation over endorsement

    Akpabio, Barau, others storm APC National Secretariat to show appreciation over endorsement

    10th National Assembly Senator-elects across political parties on Tuesday stormed the National Secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) to show solidarity and appreciation for the endorsement of former Akwa-Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin

    Recall that the National Working Committee of the ruling APC had
    settled for Akpabio (South-south) and Jubrin (North-west) for the senate president and deputy senate president respectively.

    But the zoning formula proposed by the NWC generated protests by aggrieved members of the party for endorsing the duos

    Akpabio, while delivering his remark during the visit said they are at the party’s headquarters to show solidarity and appreciation for the endorsement after wide consultation with stakeholders in Nigeria.

    Akpabio Recall that the South-South part of the country last had a senate president in 1979 about 44 years ago when Joe Wayas from NPN became the number 3rd citizen of the country

    He said: Our brothers from the South East with very capable people have held the position since 1999 for about eight years and also producing the deputy senate president for twelve years till the current dispensation. The north central produced David Mark for 12 years, and Bukola Saraki and Ahmad Lawan.

    “Since the president is from the South and the vice from the north, it is right that the senate president is coming from the South. Of course, the South West is out left with the South-South hoping that there brothers from the East will support them.

    ” The wise men from the national working committee graciously zoned it to the South South. And a party man who served six years in the executive, eight years as governor, served as the minority leader of the Senate and minister to lead the tenth senate.

    ” I want to thank you on behalf of the senate who are here and to say that the tenth senate is totally different from all other senate.”

    Speaking earlier, Senator Ali Ndume, Borno South, Said the group of seven members of senators elect of the coming 10th senate are seventy who have supported zoning the senate presidency to the South South.

    He said: “Yesterday it was sixty-nine when we went to Lagos but this morning coincidentally a senator from your State appended his signature and we are seventy.

    “We are called stability group, it came from you and the president elect that this country needs stability. And this will come from fairness, equity,

    Also speaking, Senator  Barau Jibrin the deputy Senate Presidential hopeful thanked the party  for the endorsement given us to them.

    He assured the leadership of the party that they will abide by the manifestoes and programs of the party.

    “We want to assure you that we shall continue to be loyal and stand for everything this party stands for knowing that it is for the good of Nigerians.

    “We shall by every means draw the attention of our colleagues who are yet to identify with this endorsement”.

    The national chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu on his part, said the announcement also clearly mentioned that the party need further and better consultation.

    “From what you just said there is ample evidence that their have been consultation and we will not relent to ensure that if it were possible for all senators elect agree. Whatever we do, whatsoever signature we collect, the final decision will be on the floor of the Senate and also the house,” he said.

    Senators in attendance were:
    Senator Godswill Akpabio, Jubrin Barau, Ali Ndume, Gbenga Daniel, Ibrahim Gaidam, Solomon Olamilekan, Opeyemi Bamidele, Mohammed Tahir Moguno, Idiate Adebule, Tokunbo Abiru, Ipalebo Harry, Aziz Musa, Titus Zam, Darlington Nwokocha, Neda Imazuen, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Shuab Salusi, Yemi Adaramodu, Sadiku Oheire, Oyenkachi Nwanba, Sarafadeen Ali, Yuniz Akintunde, Mutari Muhammad, Jim Kuta, Kenneth Eze, Ethan Williams, Emmanuel Demdi, Dekat Plang, Bola Ashiru, Jide Ipinsagba, Wasiu Esinlokun, Howell Eyinsu, Karimi Sunday, Cyril Fasuyi, Isa Jubrin, Salihu Mustapha, Nasiru Sani, Kaka Shehu Lawan, Ndubusi Patrick, Ibrahim Mohammed, Rufai Hangar

  • Akpabio emerges Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial candidate

    Former Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has emerged the winner of the Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial primary under the All Progressives Congress  ( APC) platform.

    The first primary conducted on May 28, 2022, for the senatorial district was cancelled following security infractions during the primary.

    Recall that Akpabio was one of the presidential aspirants of the party but stepped down for Bola Tinubu at the dying minutes of the Special convention.

     

    However .Akpabio won the rerun poll having polled 478 votes, while Sir Joseph Akpan had only one vote, and the former Deputy Inspector general of Police who initially won the first primary had three votes.

    Out of the 540 delegates for the rerun primary, 512 were accreditated to vote while eleven votes were voided.

    Speaking on Thursday night at the Godswill Akpabio Empowerment Centre in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, shortly after he was declared the winner, Akpabio thanked the delegates for their support and for finding him worthy to fly the flag of the party in the 2023 senatorial election

    “I thank the Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district for finding me worthy to be given another opportunity to contest for a senatorial seat in the Senate. I recall when you gave me the first mandate in 2015 to 2019, I recall that there is no senator ever that did the kind of empowerment I did for you.