A respected elder statesman in Akwa Ibom State and former lawmaker, Chief Nse Ntuen, has defended the Senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, amid what he described as a “malicious campaign of lies and personal vendetta.”
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Chief Ntuen — who has known Akpabio for over 50 years — dismissed recent allegations made by Akpabio’s sister-in-law, Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio, calling them “baseless, bitter and driven by mischief rather than truth.”
Ntuen, a former chairman of Essien Udim local government area and current honorary adviser to Governor Umo Eno, condemned the claims circulating in both traditional and social media as “an affront to decency, unity, and the values Akwa Ibom people hold dear.”
“These allegations, which have no basis in fact or common sense, are steeped in personal bitterness and deliberate mischief,” Ntuen stated.
“We must never allow a culture of reckless falsehood to replace dialogue and truth. These claims are not merely offensive; they are a conscious attempt to erode the dignity of honest leadership and to sow unnecessary discord.” Ntuen aligned himself with the Greater Akpabio Family’s recent unanimous resolution, which reaffirmed its full confidence in Senator Akpabio and described the family as united and undivided.
According to him, the family’s position “should be considered authoritative and final” on matters of domestic concern.
He added that the attacks were not only directed at the person of Akpabio but also an insult to the reputation of Essien Udim and Akwa Ibom at large.
“At a time when the Senate President is working closely with President Bola Tinubu on critical legislative reforms for national recovery, it is disheartening to see such distractions fueled by falsehoods and selfish ambition,” he added.
Praising Akpabio’s calm response to the situation, Ntuen described the Senate President’s silence as a mark of maturity and strength, contrasting it with the sensationalism dominating public discourse.
“Leadership is not theatre; it is service,” Ntuen said.
“Senator Akpabio’s calm disposition and tireless work in the 10th Senate have produced tangible results. His commitment to national progress is the best rebuttal to baseless allegations.”
The elder statesman urged the public, especially leaders, to avoid reckless commentary and be mindful of the examples they set for future generations.
He warned that reducing serious national conversations to gossip and innuendo undermines democracy.
“What Nigeria needs today are builders, not destroyers; thinkers, not rumour peddlers,” he said.
“Senator Akpabio has chosen to be a builder — and history will vindicate him.”
Chief Ntuen, who also served as chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Akwa Ibom, called for unity, peace, and restraint, reiterating his loyalty to Governor Umo Eno and continued support for Senator Akpabio.
“We stand with our leader, our brother, and our pride,” Ntuen concluded.
“Those who traffic in falsehood will find that truth is patient but enduring. Let our focus remain on the task of nation-building.”
