Monday August 18, 2025
The NewsDESK |
By Samuel UDOMA
Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South in the Senate, has assured Akwa Ibomites and Nigerians that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio is hale and hearty, dispelling speculations that Akpabio was struggling critically with his health.
Senator Sampson, alongside three other Senators – Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), Senator Titus Zam (Benue East), Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) and Hon. Patrick Umoh, member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, was at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport earlier this morning to receive Senator Akpabio back to Nigeria, after his brief stay outside the country.
Recall that during his stay outside Nigeria, Senator Akpabio attended the International Parliamentary Union summit in Geneva, held between July 29 and 31, 2025. From Geneva, Akpabio then proceeded to the United Kingdom for a brief rest and holiday, sparking widespread speculations on his health. His return to Nigeria put to rest the rumours that he was receiving intensive treatment abroad.
Speaking on Akpabio’s return, Senator Ekong Sampson, who chairs the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, said that while he was away, some Akwa Ibomites and Nigerians had been calling him anxiously to inquire about the Senate President, to which he assured that from his findings, the rumours surrounding Senator Akpabio’s health situation were mere speculations, and that there was no cause to worry, as the Senate President will soon return to Nigeria.
As it were, the Senate President touched down Nigeria this morning and was well received by some top lawmakers. Senator Sampson observed that the Senate President alighted the aircraft ‘visibly healthy, bouncy and in high spirits.’ Upon touching down, Senator Akpabio shared usual banters with his colleagues and also addressed the Press on the successful outcome of the IPU Summit.
The Nigerian National Assembly is currently on vacation.
