The visit of Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to the Senate chamber has sparked controversy and raised questions among National Assembly staff.
Key Highlights:
- Mrs. Akpabio visited the Senate chamber during recess.
- The visit sparked controversy over her access.
- Her husband’s aide said it was officially authorised.
- She inspected faulty equipment and facilities.
- He denied security breaches and reports of marabouts.
Mrs. Akpabio was reportedly at the National Assembly complex on Saturday, despite the Senate being on recess.
However, an aide to the Senate president, Jibril Tafida, said the visit was administrative in nature and carried out at the request of her husband.
Tafida dismissed reports describing the visit as an unauthorised or “unholy” access to the Senate chamber.
He said Mrs. Akpabio had gone to inspect malfunctioning equipment and facilities following complaints from senators and staff about their condition and the quality of some contractual works.
According to him, the inspection involved professionals and technical experts, including electrical engineers, ICT and audio-visual technicians, as well as building maintenance specialists.
“The visit was conducted within the knowledge and authorisation of relevant officials,” Tafida said, insisting that no security protocol was breached.
He explained that the inspection was scheduled for Saturday because the Senate was not sitting, thereby avoiding interference with legislative activities.
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Tafida also rejected claims that Mrs. Akpabio was accompanied by marabouts or other unusual individuals, saying those present were technical professionals involved in the assessment.
The explanation has, however, raised questions over the extent of Mrs. Akpabio’s involvement in equipment and maintenance-related activities within the National Assembly.
Tafida described the Senate president’s wife as a woman of integrity with a record of philanthropic work, urging the public and media to avoid speculation.
He added that the Senate president remains focused on good governance and would not be distracted by what he described as unfounded allegations.
Tafida also expressed confidence in the security arrangements at the National Assembly, describing the complex as one of Africa’s most secure and well-managed democratic institutions.
