Akpabio Causes Stir by Claiming ‘Token’ Sent to Senators for Holiday

Patrick OdeyAugust 9, 2023

1 minute read

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, caused a stir in the Senate on Tuesday when he inadvertently revealed that the Senators had received some funds from the Clerk of the National Assembly, Magaji Tambuwal, to “enjoy” their holidays.

The Senate had just concluded the screening and confirmation of 45 out of the 48 ministerial nominees sent by President Bola Tinubu on Monday. The Senate also forwarded the names of the confirmed ministers to the President and adjourned the plenary to September 26 to go on recess.

In his closing remarks, Akpabio thanked his colleagues for their hard work and cooperation during the screening exercise. He then added: “In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly.”

However, some principal officers quickly alerted Akpabio that he was on live television and speaking before reporters. They whispered to him that his statement was inappropriate and could be misinterpreted by the public as a bribe or a kickback.

Realising his mistake, Akpabio quickly withdrew his statement and tried to cover it up. He said: “I withdraw that statement. In order to allow you to enjoy your holiday, the senate president has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.”

The Senate President’s slip of tongue sparked mixed reactions from the Senators and the audience. Some Senators laughed it off as a joke, while others frowned and shook their heads in disbelief. Some reporters also raised their eyebrows and took notes of the incident.

Akpabio’s gaffe has also generated a lot of comments and criticisms on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the source and purpose of the funds allegedly sent to the Senators.

Some also accused Akpabio of being corrupt and dishonest, while others defended him as being human and humorous.