Chief Nse Ntuen, an Akwa Ibom elder and former member of the State House of Assembly who has known Senate President Godswill Akpabio for over five decades, has strongly condemned the recent wave of what he described as baseless allegations and abusive attacks against the Senate President.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday, Ntuen, who serves as the Honourary Adviser to Governor Umo Eno, dismissed the claims made by Akpabio’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio, as malicious fabrications inconsistent with both the character and public record of the Senate President.
Ntuen, a former Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akpabio’s home council, said the allegations “have no basis in fact or common sense, but are steeped in personal bitterness and deliberate mischief rather than any credible grievance.”
He warned that such behaviour demeans public discourse and disrespects the values of decency for which Akwa Ibom people are known.
“We must never allow a culture of reckless falsehood to replace dialogue and truth,” Ntuen said. “These claims are not merely offensive; they represent a conscious attempt to erode the dignity of honest leadership and sow unnecessary discord among a people united by shared history and respect.”
The elder statesman aligned himself with the recent resolution of the Greater Akpabio Family, which unanimously expressed confidence in the Senate President and reaffirmed its unity, describing the family’s statement as “the most authoritative voice on domestic matters of this nature.”
“These spurious attacks are not only affronts to Senator Akpabio’s person but also to the collective reputation of Essien Udim and, by extension, Akwa Ibom State,” Ntuen said.
He expressed disappointment that such distractions were emerging at a time when the Senate President is working closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to chart legislative frameworks for economic recovery and national renewal.
“It is unfortunate that anyone would choose to divert public attention with malicious fiction and self-aggrandisement,” Ntuen said, advising the public to disregard the falsehoods “which serve no purpose other than to inflame passions and derail meaningful governance.”
Ntuen lauded Akpabio’s composure and restraint in the face of provocation, describing it as proof of “personal strength and political maturity.” He noted that in an age when instant reactions often replace reflection, the Senate President has demonstrated that “quiet focus remains the highest form of leadership.”
“Leadership is not theatre; it is service,” Ntuen declared. “Senator Akpabio’s calm disposition and tireless work at the helm of the 10th Senate continue to produce tangible results for Nigeria. His commitment to legislative efficiency and intergovernmental harmony proves that the surest response to malice is progress.”
He reminded public officials of the sacred responsibility that comes with holding office, urging restraint and civility in public commentary.
“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 that choice.”
Ntuen, a former ALGON Chairman in Akwa Ibom State, called for unity among Akwa Ibom citizens, stressing that personal grievances should never cloud the collective pursuit of progress.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Umo Eno’s vision of peace and inclusive governance, as well as his continued 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,” Ntuen concluded. “Those who trade in falsehood will learn that truth may be patient, but it is enduring. Our focus must remain on the great task of nation-building — a task to which Senator Akpabio continues to dedicate himself with calmness, clarity, and conviction.”