…his return to Nigeria, Akpabio appears set to put the health rumours behind him and refocus attention on his legislative duties.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has debunked rumours suggesting he was critically ill and hospitalised while abroad, insisting that he only took a brief vacation in London following official engagements in Geneva, Switzerland.
Akpabio arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, early on Monday morning, looking visibly energetic and in good spirits. He was received warmly at the Presidential Wing of the airport by a delegation of senators, aides, and supporters who had gathered to welcome him back to the country.
Speaking to journalists shortly after his arrival, the Senate President dismissed the speculations about his health as the handiwork of rumour-mongers.
“There’s nothing like such. I’m fit as a fiddle. I only stopped over in London for a short vacation,” he said, stressing that there was no truth in reports that he had been hospitalised.
Over the past week, social media had been awash with claims that Akpabio was receiving treatment for a critical ailment in London. The Senate President’s return and lively appearance seemed to have put those claims to rest.
Providing context to his trip, Akpabio explained that he had been in Switzerland to attend the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, which took place in Geneva from July 29 to 31. The high-level conference brought together parliamentary leaders from across the globe to discuss democratic governance, legislative collaboration, and sustainable development.
According to him, the Nigerian delegation’s active participation at the Geneva event was not only symbolic but also vital for strengthening Nigeria’s voice in the international parliamentary community.
Following the conference, Akpabio said he proceeded to London for a short rest, noting that the break was necessary after what he described as a hectic legislative year in the National Assembly.
Looking ahead, the Senate President promised Nigerians more robust and active legislative engagements once the National Assembly reconvenes. He said the federal legislature remained committed to delivering laws, reforms, and oversight responsibilities that would improve governance and positively impact citizens’ lives.
“We have come a long way, and Nigerians will see more benefits of democratic governance when we resume. The collaboration between the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary is key, and we are working to ensure stronger synergy for the good of the country,” Akpabio assured.
He also hinted that the Senate would intensify its focus on laws and motions targeted at boosting the economy, improving national security, and strengthening social welfare.
Several senators and political associates who were at the airport to welcome him expressed delight at seeing him in good health. They reiterated their confidence in his leadership, describing him as a stabilizing force in the Senate and a figure capable of fostering unity across party lines.
One of his aides, who spoke off record, said: “The Senate President is not just physically strong but mentally sharp. What you are seeing is a deliberate attempt by mischief-makers to distract him, but Nigerians can rest assured that he is healthy and focused on his duties.”
The incident once again highlights the growing role, and sometimes danger, of misinformation spread through social media. Analysts point out that rumours about the health of public officials have become common in Nigeria, often sparking unnecessary anxiety among citizens.
For Akpabio, who has often projected himself as a visible and hands-on Senate President, the false reports could have been politically motivated attempts to cast doubt on his capacity to lead.
With his return to Nigeria, Akpabio appears set to put the health rumours behind him and refocus attention on his legislative duties. His commitment to ensuring greater collaboration between the arms of government and delivering tangible results for Nigerians will now be closely watched as the National Assembly prepares to resume plenary.
For now, Akpabio insists that his brief London stopover was nothing more than a much-needed rest, describing himself as “fit as a fiddle” and ready to steer the affairs of the Red Chamber with renewed vigor.
