Senate President Akpabio returns from London, dismisses ill-health rumours

Senate President Godswill Akpabio returned to Nigeria in the early hours of Monday after what his media office described as a short vacation in London.

He arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 4am and was received at the presidential wing by senators, aides, and supporters.

His return comes amid social media rumours claiming he was critically ill and hospitalised in London. Addressing 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 stated.

Before his London trip, Akpabio had attended the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 29 to 31. He explained that the Nigerian delegation at the conference actively advocated for stronger democratic governance and improved collaboration between arms of government.

The Senate President promised Nigerians “robust legislative engagements” when the Senate reconvenes from recess.

Akpabio, 62, was elected President of the 10th Senate in June 2023. He is a former governor of Akwa Ibom State and also served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

Earlier on August 11, Senator Gbenga Daniel, chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, had dismissed the health rumours after meeting Akpabio in London, insisting the Senate President was in good condition.