Akpabio vs Natasha: Focus on budget implementation, APC chieftain urges Nigerians

The South-South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere, has urged Nigerians to focus on scrutinizing the implementation of the 2025 national budget instead of discussing the sexual allegations made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Agbomhere contended that the allegations against Akpabio are unsubstantiated and do not deserve the attention they are receiving, especially when there are more pressing national issues that require focus.

He referred to the ongoing negative sentiments towards Akpabio on social media and among certain groups as one of the inevitable challenges that great leaders face in serving their constituents.

According to him, condemning Nigeria’s third-highest-ranking official based on unverified claims is unjust and reflects a troubling trend in which political adversaries use baseless accusations to undermine those in power.

The APC chieftain also commended lawmakers, particularly the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, for unanimously vindicating Akpabio.

He said their resolution effectively put to rest what he called a “malicious and wicked” allegation against a man he described as a father figure and a leader with integrity.

In a personally signed statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Agbomhere praised the former Akwa Ibom State Governor’s character, describing him as a devoted family man and a committed public servant. He warned that any further attempts by individuals or groups to drag Akpabio’s name through the mud would be strongly resisted by well-meaning Nigerians.

“President Bola Tinubu has just signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 appropriation bill into law. What Nigerians should be demanding now is for the Executive arm of government—through coordinated oversight from the Legislature—to ensure the proper implementation of the budget, rather than engaging in attempts to denigrate Nigeria’s legislative institution before the world,” he stated.

Agbomhere further noted that as the world marks International Women’s Day, Nigerians should see through the alleged plot against Akpabio, dismissing it as a calculated political maneuver rather than a genuine push for justice or gender inclusion.

He also cautioned those working to undermine the Senate President, warning that history has a way of repaying such political betrayals. He emphasized that Nigeria’s leaders need support, not attacks, especially from former allies and friends.

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