Local News
Senate President Godswill Akpabio Returns To Nigeria From London, Dismisses Ill Health Rumours
President of the Senate,Godswill Akpabio, returned to Nigeria in the early hours of Monday following what his media office described as a short vacation in London.
Akpabio arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 4 a.m., where he was received at the presidential wing by senators, aides, and supporters.
His return comes amid swirling social media rumours that he was critically ill and hospitalised in London. Speaking to journalists at the airport, Akpabio dismissed the reports, describing them as “the imagination of the purveyors.”
“There’s nothing like such. I’m fit as a fiddle. I only stopped over in London for a short vacation,” he said.
The Senate President had earlier attended the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 29 to 31, before proceeding to the UK.
Reflecting on the Geneva conference, Akpabio said, “The Nigerian delegation played an important role in advocating for deeper democratic governance and better synergy between arms of government.”
He also assured Nigerians of “robust legislative engagements” when the Senate resumes from recess.
The 62-year-old, who was elected President of the 10th Senate in June 2023, previously served as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
On August 11, Gbenga Daniel, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, had similarly dismissed claims that Akpabio was hospitalised in London.
“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, the Ogun East Senator, said during a meeting with Akpabio in London.
