Senate President Akpabio Addresses Allegations of Ticket Reservations
The Office of the Senate President has categorically rejected claims that Godswill Akpabio has committed to reserving Senate tickets for candidates who did not succeed in the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries. This assertion has been characterized as both misleading and a misrepresentation of Akpabio’s statements.
Clarification from the Senate President’s Office
In a statement issued on Saturday, Eseme Eiboh, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, clarified that the Senate President did not promise or endorse tickets for any senators affected by the party’s primaries. Instead, Akpabio was merely expressing sympathy for his colleagues who were impacted by the primary results and assured them that the APC leadership is actively exploring ways to address the issues that have arisen.
Focus on Party Protocols
Akpabio emphasized that the final list of candidates would be disclosed in a timely manner, adhering strictly to the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines. It was conveyed that his interactions with fellow senators were rooted in empathy rather than any commitments about ticket allocations.
Commitment to Internal Party Processes
Eiboh reiterated Akpabio’s dedication to upholding party discipline, due process, and the APC’s mechanisms for resolving internal disputes. The statement underlined that Akpabio has no intention of meddling in the autonomous processes of the party or making promises that exceed the authority of the National Assembly leadership.
Position on Legislative Inquiry into Military Operations
Furthermore, the Senate President’s office addressed misconceptions regarding Akpabio’s stance on a proposed legislative inquiry into military activities amidst recent security challenges. While acknowledging the National Assembly’s constitutional duty to oversee governmental actions, Akpabio expressed concern that a public inquiry into the armed forces could adversely affect troop morale during a time of heightened security operations against terrorism and banditry.
Preference for Discreet Engagements with Security Agencies
The statement articulated that Akpabio champions collaboration with security agencies through private discussions rather than public hearings, which might detract from military personnel’s focus on critical operations. Eiboh articulated Akpabio’s viewpoint that now is not an opportune moment for a public inquiry involving the Armed Forces as they face multiple threats to national security.
Call for Responsible Reporting
In light of ongoing misinterpretations, Akpabio urged journalists and the general public to disregard what he termed sensational and inaccurate reports. He encouraged them to seek clarification from his office before publishing articles related to his comments, emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism in maintaining public discourse.
