Real reason Akpabio’s wife visited Senate chambers
The Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Diaspora and NGOs, Dr Jibril Tafida, has explained why Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, visited the Senate chamber at the National Assembly.
Tafida said the visit was connected to concerns over faulty equipment and poor facilities within the Senate chamber.
He made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday while responding to reports surrounding Mrs Akpabio’s presence at the National Assembly.
According to the presidential aide, Mrs Akpabio went to the chamber to inspect some of the equipment and facilities that had developed faults.
The visit followed complaints from senators and members of staff about the condition of some facilities and the quality of work carried out by contractors.
Tafida said the inspection was carried out at the request of the Senate President, who wanted the reported problems to be properly assessed.
He also rejected reports suggesting that Mrs Akpabio entered the chamber with people who had no official role at the National Assembly.
He explained that the individuals who accompanied her were professionals brought in to examine the problems affecting the facilities.
The team, he said, included electrical engineers, information and communication technology experts, audio-visual technicians and building maintenance specialists.
Their purpose was to inspect the faults and determine what needed to be repaired or replaced.
Tafida further stated that relevant National Assembly officials were aware of the visit and that there was no breach of security arrangements.
He explained that the inspection took place on a Saturday because legislative activities were not being disrupted.
The aide said the report surrounding the visit was based on false information and speculation.
He maintained that the visit was strictly connected to the inspection of facilities at the Senate and had no other purpose.
He called on members of the public to disregard the claims and urged media organisations to properly verify information before publishing reports involving public officials and their families.
Tafida also defended Mrs Akpabio’s public image, describing her as a person known for charitable activities and good conduct.
He added that the Senate President remains committed to his responsibilities at the National Assembly despite the controversy surrounding the report.
The presidential aide said the National Assembly remains properly secured and managed.
He also stated that the office of the Senate President would continue to reject reports it considers to be based on unverified claims about his family.
