Akpabio’s Aide Explains Wife’s Visit to Senate Chamber

The Office of the Senate President has dismissed reports that Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio gained unauthorised access to the Senate Chamber, stating that her Saturday visit was purely administrative, to inspect malfunctioning equipment and facilities at the instance of her husband, Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

A Controversial Visit

ValidViewNetwork gathered that the Office of the Senate President has dismissed reports that Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, gained unauthorised access to the Senate Chamber.

The controversy began when an online publication, Naijanewsdirect, raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Mrs Akpabio’s visit to the National Assembly complex on a Saturday, suggesting she may have breached security protocols.

The Explanation

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In a rejoinder issued on Saturday, September 5, 2026, the Special Adviser to the Senate President on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Dr Jibril Lawal Tafida, described the allegations as “misinformation and speculative journalism”.

According to Tafida, Mrs Akpabio visited the National Assembly complex on a Saturday to inspect malfunctioning equipment and facilities in the Senate Chamber at the instance of the Senate President.

He explained that Akpabio had received complaints from senators and staff about the condition of some facilities and the quality of work carried out under certain contracts, prompting the need for an assessment.

A Purely Administrative Visit

The visit was described as “purely administrative and domestic in nature”, an act of personal concern by a supportive wife seeking to provide an accurate report to her husband.

Tafida also rejected reports that Mrs Akpabio was accompanied by individuals described as “marabouts” or persons of questionable character.

He said those present during the inspection were professionals and technical specialists, including electrical engineers, ICT experts, audio-visual technicians and building maintenance personnel.

No Security Breach

The presidential aide further stated that the visit was carried out with the knowledge and authorisation of relevant officials and did not constitute a breach of security protocols.

He explained that Saturday was chosen because the chamber was not in session, allowing the assessment of facilities without disrupting legislative activities.

“The National Assembly remains secure and well managed,” Tafida said.

A Call for Responsible Journalism

Tafida urged members of the public to disregard what he described as misleading reports, arguing that the controversy was being manufactured where none existed.

He also appealed to media organisations to verify information before publishing reports capable of damaging the reputation of public officials and their families.

A Lesson for Nigerian Youths

This controversy is a reminder that in the age of social media, even the most innocent actions can be twisted into scandals.

For young Nigerians, the lesson is clear: not everything you read online is true. Before you share, verify. Before you judge, consider the facts.

The same people who believe every rumour will never allow their own children to be victims of misinformation.

Think critically. Verify before sharing. And never forget that a reputation can be destroyed by a single false headline.