‘Akpabio Is Not a Killer’ — Akwa Ibom Elder Slams False Claims Against Senate President
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‘Akpabio Is Not a Killer’ — Akwa Ibom Elder Slams False Claims Against Senate President
An Akwa Ibom elder and former lawmaker, Chief Nse Ntuen, has defended the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, describing the recent allegations levelled against him as false, malicious, and inconsistent with his long-standing record of integrity and service.
Chief Ntuen, who has known Akpabio for over five decades, made this known in a statement issued in Uyo on Saturday.
He said the allegations being circulated by Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio, the Senate President’s sister-in-law, were nothing more than a campaign of calumny designed to smear the image of the former Akwa Ibom governor.
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“The allegations, which have no basis in fact or common sense, are steeped in personal bitterness and deliberate mischief rather than any verifiable grievance,” Ntuen said.
“Such behaviour demeans public discourse and disrespects the values of decency for which Akwa Ibom people are known.”
He urged Nigerians to reject what he called “a culture of reckless falsehood,” insisting that truth and dialogue must remain the foundation of public engagement.
“These claims are not merely offensive; they are a conscious attempt to erode the dignity of honest leadership and to sow unnecessary discord among a people united by shared history and respect,” he added.
The elder statesman, who currently serves as Honorary Adviser to Governor Umo Eno, aligned himself with the Greater Akpabio Family’s recent statement reaffirming confidence in the Senate President and declaring the matter settled within the family.
Ntuen described the attacks as not only personal assaults on Akpabio but also affronts to the reputation of Essien Udim Local Government Area and Akwa Ibom State as a whole.
“At a time when the Senate President is working closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to shape legislative frameworks for economic recovery and national renewal, it is disappointing that anyone would distract public attention with malicious fiction and self-serving narratives,” he stated.
He praised Senator Akpabio for maintaining dignified silence and restraint amid provocations, noting that his calm response demonstrates personal strength and political maturity.
“Leadership is not theatre; it is service. Senator Akpabio’s calm disposition and tireless work at the helm of the 10th Senate continue to yield tangible results for Nigeria. His commitment to legislative efficiency and intergovernmental cooperation shows that the surest response to malice is progress,” Ntuen said.
The former ALGON chairman and one-time Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area cautioned Nigerians—especially those in public life—against reckless commentary that undermines the dignity of governance.
“When we reduce serious national conversations to gossip and innuendo, we weaken the very fabric of democracy,” Ntuen warned.
“What Nigeria needs today are builders, not destroyers; thinkers, not rumour peddlers. Senator Akpabio has chosen to be a builder, and history will vindicate him.”
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Umo Eno’s peace-driven administration and expressed unwavering support for Senator Akpabio as “a son of Akwa Ibom who represents the state with distinction at the national level.”
“We stand with our leader, our brother, and our pride. Those who traffic in falsehood will find that truth is patient but enduring. The focus now must remain on the great task of nation-building, to which Senator Akpabio continues to dedicate himself with calmness, clarity, and conviction,” Ntuen concluded.
