From
Admin desk
Abuja – The Office of the Senate President has addressed the controversy surrounding a weekend visit by Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio to the Senate Chamber.
Reports had circulated online alleging that the wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio gained “unholy access” to the chamber on Saturday, and was accompanied by marabouts and spiritualists. The claims sparked questions about the purpose of the visit.
However, Dr. Jibril Lawal Tafida, Special Adviser to the Senate President on Diaspora and NGOs, has described the reports as “misinformation.”
In a statement issued on Saturday, Tafida explained that the visit was strictly administrative.
According to him, Mrs. Akpabio went to the National Assembly Complex to personally inspect faulty equipment and facilities in the chamber.
He said the inspection was carried out at the directive of the Senate President, following several complaints from lawmakers and staff about the poor condition of some facilities and substandard contract jobs.
Tafida also debunked claims that she was in the company of “marabouts” or people of questionable character. He stated that those with her were “qualified professionals and technical experts” including electrical engineers, ICT and audio-visual technicians, and building maintenance specialists needed for the assessment.
The aide added that the visit was done with the full knowledge and approval of relevant authorities, and no security protocols were breached.
On why it happened on a Saturday, Tafida noted that such inspections are better conducted when the chamber is not sitting, to avoid disrupting legislative work.
He urged the public to ignore the reports, calling them an attempt to create controversy where there is none, and reaffirmed that the National Assembly remains “one of the most secure and well-managed democratic institutions in Africa.
