In defense against accusations from former Senator Elisha Abbo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reaffirmed his commitment to his duties, asserting that he will not be distracted by what he describes as baseless claims.
Abbo, during a recent interview on Arise News TV, accused Akpabio of running the Nigerian Senate as a “personal empire” and alleged that he orchestrated the removal of five senators, including himself. These allegations come as Abbo expressed his dissatisfaction with Akpabio’s leadership style and alleged political maneuvers.
In response, Akpabio, through his media aide Eseme Eyiboh, categorically dismissed Abbo’s statements as misleading and unfounded. He expressed shock at Abbo’s renewed accusations, particularly given that Abbo had previously apologized for similar claims in 2023, acknowledging that his earlier assertions were premature and unfounded.
“It is regrettable that, despite retracting a similar allegation, Mr. Abbo has once again chosen to spread misinformation,” Akpabio stated. He emphasized that the court, not himself, was responsible for Abbo’s removal, pointing out the illogical nature of Abbo’s allegations regarding his influence over the judicial process.
Akpabio further addressed Abbo’s claims of being unjustly denied official benefits following his ouster, clarifying that any claims for payments were not processed because they did not meet legal standards, not due to any personal vendetta.
“It is unfortunate that instead of accepting the consequences of his legal and political challenges, Abbo resorts to media theatrics and unfounded accusations,” Akpabio said.
As he continues to navigate the complexities of leadership in the Senate, Akpabio remains focused on nation-building and the enhancement of democratic institutions, particularly the independence of the judiciary. He urged Abbo to reflect on his actions and to prioritize the rebuilding of trust with his constituents if he hopes to re-enter public life.
“Nigeria’s democracy thrives on maturity, responsibility, and a deep respect for the truth,” Akpabio concluded, reaffirming his dedication to his role as Senate President amidst ongoing challenges.
