Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected allegations of murder and betrayal leveled against him by his sister-in-law, Pastor Pat Akpabio, calling them unfounded and politically motivated.
Through his spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio urged Pat to report her claims to security authorities rather than airing them on social media.
“Killing is at the heart of our criminal justice system. Any citizen aware of such a crime should be honest enough to report it to the proper authorities,” Eyiboh said, adding, “The issue of murder is not to be used for a political vendetta. The law is clear: whoever asserts must prove.”
Eyiboh also defended Akpabio’s character, describing him as “a very humble and strong family person,” suggesting that Pat’s accusations were primarily aimed at gaining attention.
“She is just seeking attention. Who is going to give her that attention? The Senate president is very busy,” he said, emphasizing that the allegations would not damage Akpabio’s reputation.
Pat, who is married to Akpabio’s brother Ibanga, had accused the Senate president in a Facebook video on October 11 of being responsible for “many killings” in Akwa Ibom State during his tenure as governor. She also criticized him for allegedly neglecting his hometown, Ukana Ikot Ntuen, which she said has been without electricity for weeks.
In her video, Pat claimed Akpabio accused her husband of wrongdoing during his failed 2019 senatorial bid and alleged that he betrayed several political allies, including Umana Okon Umana, Nsima Ekere, Akan Udofia, and Bassey Albert. She also vowed to challenge him in the 2027 senatorial election, issuing a “quit notice”: “When you finish, go home. Take care of yourself.”
Pat further warned President Bola Tinubu to be cautious in his dealings with Akpabio and threatened to release more damaging information, stating, “You know I love you. I don’t hate you. I love you because you are a brother to my husband. I stood by you in 2019 when people wrote all sorts of things against you. Did I collect 10 kobo from you? Today, you have the audacity to say that you are the one that made me.”
Before his political career, Akpabio worked as a teacher, later practiced law at Paul Usoro & Co., and also served as managing director and CEO of EMIS Telecoms Limited.