_Urge the Public to Disregard Claims rooted in Malice and Ignorance of His True Personality_
By David Okoh.
The Confederation of South-South Legislative Aides (CONSSLA), the umbrella body of legislative aides from the South-South geopolitical zone and Concerned Aides of National Assembly, has lauded the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, describing him as a very humane and people-oriented leader.
In a statement jointly issued by the groups, they affirmed that Senator Akpabio is widely respected for his warmth, compassion, and fatherly disposition toward everyone around him, particularly those who work under his leadership.
According to the aides, of more than 6,000 legislative aides engaged by the National Assembly — including those directly attached to the Office of the Senate President — none has ever reported any instance of high-handedness, harassment, or unfair treatment by Senator Akpabio. They described recent allegations against the Senate President as not only a false representation of the integrity of the National Assembly but a frivolous attempt to malign the character and personality of Senator Akpabio.
The groups emphasized that Senator Akpabio has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to human development and gender inclusivity, tracing his legacy back to his time as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. “He was widely known for turning ‘boys into men’ through massive empowerment programmes that cut across tribal and social lines — a testament to his belief in building capacity and transforming communities,” they stated.
They further noted that the Senate President is a nationally recognised figure for his compassionate leadership and responsiveness to the needs of others. “He is a man who bends backwards to support others, often moved by the challenges facing the people,” the statement read
Citing recent examples, CONSSLA and Concerned Aides highlighted Senator Akpabio’s intervention in the case of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to the group, Senator Akpabio showed leadership and magnanimity by offering a path toward reconciliation — suggesting a possible lifting of the suspension if an apology was tendered by the Senator.
Similarly, the groups commended the Senate President for his principled stance regarding his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Mfon Patrick, whose name was mentioned in the matter currently before the court. ‘Rather than react to public pressure, His Excellency demonstrated fairness and commendable restraint. Mr. Patrick has consistently exhibited professionalism, dedication, and uncommon loyalty in the discharge of his legislative duties,’ CONSSLA stated.
The aides also commended Akpabio’s gesture of compassion in ensuring that the legislative aides attached to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan continued to receive their salaries and allowances, despite a recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges that they be suspended alongside their principal. “Such actions reflect his genuine concern for the welfare of ordinary Nigerians and his unwillingness to let political storms disrupt the lives of hardworking Aides,” they said.
The group also commended the Nigeria Senate for the show of unity and institutional maturity in standing firmly behind the senate president, particularly the unanimous Vote of Confidence and the courage and clarity of purpose displayed by several senators such as Senator Peter Nwebonyi who have publicly and eloquently defended the integrity of the Senate President “proving that leadership anchored on truth and service will always find worthy allies”, the statement reads.
While choosing not to delve further into recent events, CONSSLA and Concerned Aides expressed confidence in Senator Akpabio’s integrity and leadership credentials, stating that no amount of media attacks or sponsored campaigns could taint the reputation he has built over the years.
The groups urged the public to disregard the malicious and sponsored publications circulating on social media and affirmed their unwavering support for Senator Akpabio. “We believe he has been divinely ordained to lead the 10th Senate and contribute meaningfully to stabilizing the socio-economic trajectory of our nation. We pray that God continues to guide and strengthen him in his service to the country,” they declared.
In the same vein, the groups applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the progress recorded under his administration, particularly in areas of peace-building and infrastructural development across the South-South region such as the Lagos to Calabar Super Highway.
The groups urged Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the administration as it works to reposition Nigeria for greater prosperity.
