Senate President Godswill Akpabio has returned to Nigeria, firmly dismissing widespread social media claims that he had been critically ill and hospitalised abroad.
Akpabio, who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 4:00 a.m. on Monday, was welcomed at the presidential wing by senators, aides, and a group of supporters.
Addressing journalists, the 62-year-old Senate President described the speculation about his health as baseless, attributing it to “the imagination of the purveyors.”
“There’s nothing like that. I’m fit as a fiddle. I only stopped over in London for a short vacation,” he said.
Before his London trip, Akpabio had attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, held between July 29 and 31. At the event, the Nigerian delegation actively participated in pushing for stronger democratic governance and greater synergy between legislative and executive arms of government.
Speaking further, Akpabio assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would hit the ground running when it reconvenes.
“We promise robust legislative engagements when the Senate resumes from recess,” he pledged.
Meanwhile, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, also dismissed the rumours, recalling his meeting with Akpabio in London.
“Your excellency, the news out there is that you have been indisposed, but seeing you here now paints a very different picture. Congratulations, your excellency,” Daniel said.
Akpabio, who was elected Senate President in June 2023, previously served as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs before assuming leadership of the 10th National Assembly.
His return is expected to ease concerns within political circles and set the stage for what he promises will be a period of “active and impactful parliamentary activity.”
