Akpabio returns to Nigeria, debunks rumors of illness

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has returned to the country after what his media team described as a short holiday in London, putting to rest speculations about his health.

Akpabio arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 4:00 a.m. on Monday, where he was warmly received at the presidential wing by senators, aides, and loyal supporters.

Addressing journalists on arrival, the Senate President dismissed social media reports claiming he was seriously ill and undergoing medical treatment abroad. He described the rumors as baseless and urged Nigerians not to fall for misinformation.

Speaking with journalists, the Akpabio described the speculation about his health 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 said.

The 62-year-old leader had attended the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 29 to 31, before proceeding to the United Kingdom.

He explained that the Nigerian delegation played a key role at the Geneva conference in advocating for stronger democratic governance and improved synergy between arms of government.

Akpabio assured Nigerians of active parliamentary activity when the National Assembly reconvenes.

“We promise robust legislative engagements when the Senate resumes from recess,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, had also dismissed claims of Akpabio’s hospitalisation.

“Your excellency, the news out there is that you have been indisposed, but seeing you here now paints a very different picture. Congratulations, your excellency,” Daniel told him during a meeting in London.