Senate President Godswill Akpabio has returned to Nigeria after what his media office described as a brief vacation in London, brushing aside rumours about his health that had circulated on social media.
Akpabio arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 4 a.m. on Monday, where he was warmly received at the presidential wing by a delegation of senators, aides, and enthusiastic supporters.
Speaking to journalists shortly after his arrival, the Senate President dismissed claims that he had been critically ill and hospitalised abroad. He described the reports as unfounded fabrications.
“There’s nothing like that. I’m fit as a fiddle,” Akpabio said. “I only stopped over in London for a short vacation.”
The 62-year-old lawmaker had earlier participated in the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, which held in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 29 to 31. According to him, the Nigerian delegation played an active role during the conference, particularly in advocating for stronger democratic governance and better collaboration between the various arms of government.
Looking ahead, Akpabio assured citizens that the National Assembly would hit the ground running when it reconvenes. “We promise robust legislative engagements when the Senate resumes from recess,” he stated confidently.
Meanwhile, doubts about the Senate President’s wellbeing had already been debunked even before his return. Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, had met Akpabio in London and publicly dismissed the rumours. “The news out there is that you have been indisposed,” Daniel said during their meeting, “but seeing you here now paints a very different picture. Congratulations, your excellency.”
Akpabio, who was elected Senate President in June 2023, is no stranger to high-profile public service. Before assuming his current role, he served as governor of Akwa Ibom State and later as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
With his return, the Senate President appears set to refocus attention on legislative priorities, leaving behind speculation over his health.