Why Akpabio’s wife visited the Senate chamber, aide explains

Ekaette Akpabio’s visit to Nigeria’s Senate chamber was an inspection, not an improper intrusion, according to an aide to the Senate president.

Jibril Tafida, Special Adviser to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Diaspora and NGOs, rejected an online report that described the visit as “unholy access.” In a statement signed in Abuja on Saturday, he said Akpabio’s wife went to the National Assembly to examine faulty equipment and facilities in the chamber.

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unholy access

Tafida said senators and staff had complained about poor facilities and shoddy work by contractors. The visit took place at the Senate president’s request, he said, and was scheduled for Saturday to avoid disrupting plenary or other legislative work.

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marabouts

He also dismissed claims that Akpabio arrived with “marabouts” or people of questionable character. The group accompanying her consisted of engineers and technicians specializing in electrical systems, information technology, audio-visual equipment and building maintenance, Tafida said. Relevant officials knew about the visit, and no security protocol had been breached.

Tafida called the report misinformation and speculative journalism. He urged the public to disregard it and asked news platforms to check their facts before publishing reports targeting public officials and their families. He said the National Assembly remained secure and well managed, while adding that the Senate president’s office would not tolerate what he described as reckless journalism aimed at the family.

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reckless journalism