Today, I write to address the too many delinquencies; that have almost become a trademark of Honourable Akpabio’s Senate presidency.
People of the Christians faith;and those inclined to history and learning, should be familiar with the biblical story, of how God blessed and promoted Haman, yet, a beneficiary of such ‘unmerited favour’ earnestly sought to deploy his office, to denigrate; attack and attempt to annihilate an innocent Jewish Mordecai.
How Haman ended, is better read from the Holy Book,but of course,it is one story to warn against abuse of office and amassing political and otherwise foes unnecessarily.
While one may situate this story in history, the ensuing disposition of Mr. Akpabio, Senate President of the 10th Assembly, reaffirms the fact that, ‘history repeats itself;
and those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat’
At such a time in the life of our Nation,Nigeria, we do not need a Senate President that is bereft of the needed temperament and ideas, to support the President in his determination towards economic recovery.
Mr. Akpabio does not seem to know that psychology and communication play significant roles in the economic acquiescence of individuals and households,he is unfortunately unaware that, most of his utterances are regarded, as being endorsed by either the government or the President.
As the president of the 10th Senate, Akpabio has nothing to show in crucial areas of national interests and concerns, especially nation building. Rather, he gallivants around in his usual unfounded statements; that could further fracture peace among brothers.
Clearly, where there are metrics for who gets what, senate president; Godswill Akpabio is the least Nigerian, to occupy such sensitive position, particularly for the series of his obnoxious statements going publicly unchecked.
Unfortunately, Akpabio’s misguided utterances, are telling negatively on the overall image of the President Tinubu administration, and may become a significant impediment to any potential goodwill the president may garner eventually.
It appears all Akpabio is concerned about, are mundane issues, some of which are brazen lies and sheer ineptitudes.
Recently, while responding to the genuine concern raised by a senator colleague,on the citing of Federal Medical Centres across the states of the Federation, he detoured to take a swipe; just as it has become characteristic of him. Verifiably, it is not for nothing that the bill for establishment of Federal Medical Centre FMC across states of the federation, which was brought to the red chamber from the House of Representative for concurrence,was easily suspended. Such disgruntled public outcry is a testament that, the National assembly under the leadership of Akpabio remains a hoax.
It is more unfortunate that, Senator Akpabio seems trapped in his days as Commissioner; under Governor Victor Attah, as virtually all his references are from his time as commissioner. This is such a pity, and the reflection is what we are seeing; based on his indiscretion, vituperation and lack of restraints;regardless that he occupies the third highest office in the country.
It is appalling how Akpabio’s insensitivity has gone viral. His unguarded utterances are unbecoming of a Senate President, and If not checked, he poses an unprecedented catastrophe to the Tinubu administration and even the nation at large.
Recall that, the Nigerian senate whip, senator Ali Ndume once declared that the house may take drastic actions against Akpabio, when he announced to his colleagues’ dismay that, a holiday allowance was sent to their various bank accounts, to enable them to enjoy their holidays after the screening of Tinubu’s ministerial nominees. Such indiscretion and loquaciousness!
For someone whose record of pilfering is legendary, one can only hope that his utterances may warrant the release of the documents of his service while he acted as ’emperor’ of Akwa Ibom state.
Added to all these,one needs no soothsayer, to see clearly that, he is determined to set off crises in the most peaceful state in Nigeria, so as to leverage on the outcome;as it is characteristic of him and his style.
Ordinarily, those whose antecedents are riddled with character flaws and amorality, should not enjoy any form of regard or relevance beyond recognition of their scabbard. Akpabio ought to have remained indoors, if possible, to regain sanity from intoxication of how he considers himself a god.
Sometime ago, someone within Akpabio’s close quarters quipped, “I do not understand Oga’s problem with Udom. He barely utters three words without mentioning Udom as many times as possible.” Who knows, the story of Akpabio demanding that Udom be initiated into his cult and the latter’s barefaced and frontal refusal may be true after all.
People like Udom aptly understand the God and god conundrum, and his (Udom) refusal to bow to a god that could qualify him to be at war with God, remains the basis for Akpabio’s endless contempt.
It is not too late for Senate Presidents before him, including Senator David Mark, Senator Bukola Saraki and Senator Ahmad Lawan to conduct an orientation programme for Senator Akpabio, on how to occupy and comport himself in such an exalted office with dignity and integrity, and also to desist from the barrage of lies to cover mediocrity.
A leader who has ideas does not discuss people, rather,he co-opts people through intelligence, to discuss ideas.
It is high time, President Tinubu had called Akpabio to order from his drunken illusion.
I mean, isn’t it sad that a man whose failed footage has been served across the world;and known for dubious performance now parades himself as a demigod? Isn’t it laughable that,a man like Akpabio should still has the temerity to ‘preach against water while drinking wine?’
Finally a word of advice for Mr. Akpabio from the words of Sydney Harris would suffice: “history repeats itself, but in such cunning disguise, that we never detect the resemblance until the damage is done.” The earlier Mr. Senate President acquaints himself with this,the better.
It is therefore to his best interests, to explore potential consequences of such a dangerous possibility.