Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked controversy after claiming that “court-declared senators” contribute to the problems of the Senate, despite having relied on judicial rulings to secure his own political victories.
In a statement that has ignited backlash, Akpabio remarked, “I think part of the problem is when people come from court — court-declared senators — they missed the orientation.” He then instructed the National Assembly’s management to conduct regular orientation sessions for lawmakers who assume office mid-tenure.
His comments come amid a heated clash with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central. The feud has taken a legal turn, as Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit, lodged at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, alleges that defamatory remarks made on social media have gravely harmed her reputation. The controversy erupted after Mfon Patrick, reportedly at Akpabio’s behest, made a Facebook post questioning Akpoti-Uduaghan’s entitlement to a Senate committee position. The post allegedly contained derogatory comments about her appearance and legislative competence.
Akpabio’s stance on “court-declared senators” is being widely criticized as hypocritical, given his own reliance on judicial decisions to maintain his political career.
In 2019, the Court of Appeal handed Akpabio a critical lifeline after he lost the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial election to PDP’s Chris Ekpenyong. Despite INEC’s declaration of Ekpenyong as the winner, Akpabio challenged the result at the tribunal but lost. Undeterred, he escalated the case to the Court of Appeal, which ruled in his favor, nullified Ekpenyong’s victory, and ordered a rerun in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
In 2023, Akpabio once again depended on judicial rulings to solidify his candidacy for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom North West. After an initial ruling disqualified him and declared retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Udom Ekpoudom as the APC candidate, Akpabio’s legal team took the case to the Supreme Court, which ultimately reinstated him. Delivering the ruling, Justice Ibrahim Saulawa criticized the Court of Appeal’s decision, declaring it legally unsound.
Following the Supreme Court verdict, Akpabio celebrated, calling it a divine intervention. “When all hope appeared lost, the Lord came through for me,” he proclaimed at a thanksgiving event.
Akpabio’s recent comments have drawn intense scrutiny, with critics highlighting the irony of his remarks. Many argue that his statement exposes a double standard, as he now seeks to diminish the legitimacy of others who, like him, gained office through the courts.
With a ₦100 billion lawsuit hanging over his head and rising discontent within the Senate, Akpabio finds himself embroiled in yet another storm—one that could test both his leadership and credibility.
PIONEER NEWS 