Senate President Godswill Akpabio has returned to Nigeria, debunking rumours circulating on social media that he was critically ill and hospitalised abroad.
Akpabio, who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 4:00 a.m. on Monday, was welcomed at the presidential wing by senators, aides, and supporters.
“There’s nothing like such. I’m fit as a fiddle. I only stopped over in London for a short vacation,” he told journalists on arrival, describing the health speculation as “the imagination of the purveyors.”
According to his media office, the Senate President had only taken a short vacation in London after participating in the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 29 to 31.
He explained that Nigeria’s delegation played a significant role at the Geneva conference, particularly in advocating for stronger democratic governance and improved synergy between the arms of government.
Looking ahead, Akpabio assured Nigerians of an active and engaging legislature once the National Assembly reconvenes.
“We promise robust legislative engagements when the Senate resumes from recess,” he said.
Earlier in London, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, had also dismissed the reports of Akpabio’s hospitalisation.
“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 told him during their meeting.
Akpabio, 62, was elected Senate President in June 2023. He previously served as governor of Akwa Ibom State and as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
