THE wife of the President of the Senate, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio has explained that her visit to the National Assembly complex was to inspect the state of facility-malfunction and at the instance of her husband, senator Godswill Akpabio.
This explaining is coming on the heels of alleged Senate chamber access by Senate President’s Wife and the subsequent narratives that it was for some unholy reasons .
In a statement signed Signed Dr. Jibril Lawal Tafida, Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Diaspora and Non-governmental Organizations,
the narratives created after the visit were designed to misinform and create a scandal that does not exist.
Dr Lawal pointed out that the visit was purely administrative, domestic in nature and as result of complaints by senators about poor state of equipments and facilities in the upper chamber .
The statement said: “We wish to state unequivocally that the said report is a product of misinformation, speculative journalism, and a deliberate attempt to create a scandal where none exists.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Her Excellency, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, made a brief and harmless visit to the National Assembly complex. The purpose of this visit was purely administrative and domestic in nature—specifically, to personally observe and assess certain malfunctioning equipment and facilities within the chamber.
“This was done at the instance of the Senate President, who, having received numerous complaints from distinguished Senators and staff regarding the poor state of some facilities and the shoddy execution of certain contractual works, was deeply disturbed and concerned.
“As a devoted and supportive wife, Mrs. Akpabio offered to physically inspect the situation so as to provide an informed and accurate report to her husband, the Senate President, who is committed to ensuring that the working conditions of lawmakers and staff meet the highest standards.”
The statement continued, “We strongly refute the claim that Mrs. Akpabio was accompanied by individuals described as “marabouts” or persons of questionable character. This assertion is entirely false, baseless, and a reckless attempt to sensationalize an innocuous visit. The individuals who accompanied Her Excellency were not spiritualists or dubious characters; rather, they were duly engaged professionals and technical specialists in the areas directly related to the equipment and facilities under inspection.
“These included electrical engineers, ICT and audio-visual system technicians, and building maintenance experts whose expertise was required to accurately diagnose the reported faults and provide a credible assessment. Far from being “marabouts,” these persons were carefully selected specialists whose presence was necessary for the purpose of the visit. To describe them otherwise is not only inaccurate but also a deliberate insult to their professional integrity.
“We further refute any insinuation that the visit constituted an “unholy access” or a breach of the National Assembly’s security protocols. The visit was conducted within the knowledge and authorization of relevant officials, and there was no attempt to conceal any activity. The individuals who escorted her were cleared and identified personnel, and their movement within the facility was consistent with standard administrative oversight procedures.
“The report makes heavy weather of the fact that the visit occurred on a Saturday and lasted approximately 50 minutes. It must be noted that such administrative oversight visits are best carried out when the chamber is not in session, to avoid disrupting legislative activities. A Saturday visit demonstrates a thoughtful and non-intrusive approach, not an ulterior motive. It is indeed curious that an act of goodwill and personal concern for the welfare of lawmakers is being twisted into a national security crisis for political reasons. The duration of the visit was simply commensurate with the thoroughness required to inspect multiple facilities and equipment within the chamber.”
The statement said the Senate President and his family have always respected the sanctity and dignity of the National Assembly, describing Mrs. Akpabio is a woman of integrity, known for her philanthropic works and her unwavering support for her husband’s public service.
“To reduce her to a subject of baseless speculation is both unfair and uncharitable.
“While we welcome any factual inquiry into the matter, we insist that the allegations as published are devoid of substance and are designed to distract from the Senate’s genuine legislative work.
“The Senate President remains focused on delivering good governance to Nigerians, and his family will not be deterred by unfounded attacks.
“We urge the public to disregard the said report and treat it for what it is—an attempt to manufacture a controversy where none exists. The National Assembly remains one of the most secure and well-managed democratic institutions in Africa, and we have every confidence in its protocols and personnel.”
