Akwa Ibom Elder Defends Akpabio, Condemns ‘Reckless Falsehoods’

|By Chinwendu Nwani

A respected elder statesman in Akwa Ibom State and former lawmaker, Chief Nse Ntuen, has risen in strong defence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, dismissing recent accusations against him as “bitter, malicious and entirely without truth.”

Ntuen, who said he has known Akpabio for over 50 years, described the allegations recently made by the Senate President’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio, as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of a leader who has consistently built and not destroyed.

In a statement issued in Uyo, the former chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area said the claims being circulated were “not rooted in fact or common sense,” but designed to distract from meaningful governance.

“We must never allow a culture of reckless falsehood to replace dialogue and truth. These claims are not merely offensive; they represent a conscious attempt to erode the dignity of honest leadership and to sow unnecessary discord,” he declared.

Ntuen, currently honorary adviser to Governor Umo Eno, warned that such personal attacks only derail Nigeria’s focus on economic recovery — a process he said is being actively driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with Akpabio playing a key legislative role.

He praised the Senate President’s calm response to the controversy, describing it as “maturity, discipline and true leadership.”

“Leadership is not theatre; it is service. Akpabio’s restraint shows strength and focus. Instead of responding to noise, he continues to work for Nigeria.”

The elder statesman aligned with the Greater Akpabio Family’s recent statement backing the Senate President, urging Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians to ignore what he called “reckless falsehoods that undermine the values of honesty and respect.”

He further reaffirmed loyalty to Governor Umo Eno’s vision of peace and unity, calling on citizens to reject division and stand behind genuine nation-building.

“What Nigeria needs today are builders, not destroyers — and Akpabio has chosen to be a builder. History will vindicate him.”