Godswill Akpabio Appeals for Fair Assessment beyond Ministerial Performance

In a recent interview, Godswill Akpabio, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and senator-elect for Akwa Ibom North West, urged Nigerians and members of the incoming 10th National Assembly not to judge him solely based on his brief tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

Akpabio instead emphasized his extensive legal background of 36 years, his six-year stint as commissioner, and his eight years as governor as more accurate reflections of his capabilities.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday night, Akpabio, a contender for the position of Senate President in the forthcoming National Assembly inauguration on June 6, expressed his preference for being evaluated on the strength of his long-standing track record. He initially entered the Nigerian Senate in 2015, assuming the role of Minority Leader under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. Subsequently, he defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Akpabio resigned from his post as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to pursue the presidential primaries of the APC for the 2023 general elections. However, he later withdrew his candidacy in favor of President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. While he enjoys the support of the President-elect and the APC, his bid for the Senate Presidency faces opposition from Abdulaziz Yari, former Governor of Zamfara State, and Orji Uzor Kalu, the Senate Chief Whip, both of whom have steadfastly declared their intent to remain in the race.
“I have remained unchanged throughout my political career,” Akpabio asserted. “God has granted me the opportunity to be an exceptional transformer wherever I serve. I would rather be assessed by my accomplishments as a lawyer spanning 36 years, a commissioner for six years, and a governor for eight years than by my ministerial appointment for Niger Delta, which, as we all know, is beset with challenges.”
Recalling his appearance before the House of Representatives’ Committee on Niger Delta in July 2020 during a forensic audit hearing of the N81.5 billion expenditure by the ministry between January and July 2020, Akpabio experienced a moment of controversy. While responding to corruption allegations, he was famously interrupted by a committee member with the phrase, “Honourable Minister, off your mic.”
Regarding his Senate Presidency aspirations, Akpabio pledged to sustain the January-December budget cycle implemented by the outgoing 9th National Assembly. He viewed this achievement as one of the notable successes of the current assembly. Addressing concerns about opposition within his ranks, Akpabio stressed the importance of continued engagement and communication. He believed that dispelling any misconceptions about him would require open dialogue and an opportunity to refute unfounded perceptions.
As the date of the National Assembly inauguration approaches, Godswill Akpabio remains steadfast in his desire to be evaluated based on his extensive experience and past achievements, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute positively to the country’s governance in the coming years.