…Says Saturday Visit Was To Inspect Faulty Facilities
The Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Dr Jibril Lawal Tafida, has dismissed reports alleging that the wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, gained unauthorised access to the Senate Chamber.
Tafida, in a rejoinder issued yesterday, described the reports as misinformation and speculative journalism, insisting that Mrs Akpabio’s visit to the National Assembly complex was strictly administrative.
According to him, Mrs Akpabio visited the complex on Saturday at the instance of her husband to inspect malfunctioning equipment and other facilities in the Senate Chamber.
He explained that the Senate President had received complaints from senators and staff about the condition of some facilities and the quality of work executed under certain contracts, necessitating an assessment.
Tafida also dismissed reports that Mrs Akpabio was accompanied by individuals described as “marabouts” or persons of questionable character.
He said those who accompanied her were professionals and technical specialists, including electrical engineers, information and communications technology experts, audio-visual technicians and building maintenance personnel.
The aide maintained that the inspection was conducted with the knowledge and authorisation of relevant officials and did not amount to any breach of National Assembly security protocols.
He said the visit was deliberately scheduled for Saturday because the Senate Chamber was not in session, allowing the facilities to be inspected without disrupting legislative activities.
Tafida urged the public to disregard what he described as misleading reports, saying the controversy was being created where, according to him, none existed.
He also appealed to Naijanewsdirect and other media organisations to verify information before publishing reports capable of damaging the reputation of public officials and their families.
Describing Mrs Akpabio as a woman known for philanthropic activities and integrity, Tafida said the allegations against her were without substance.
He added that the Senate President remained focused on legislative business and governance and would not be distracted by what he described as unfounded attacks.
Tafida further expressed confidence in the security and administrative arrangements at the National Assembly, describing the institution as one of Africa’s well-managed democratic establishments.
Naijanewsdirect, which initially published the report that triggered the controversy, had yet to publicly respond to the rejoinder as of press time.
The platform had earlier called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mrs Akpabio’s visit and raised questions about security procedures at the National Assembly complex.
Tafida said his office would continue to provide clarification where necessary, while urging media organisations to uphold professional standards of verification and responsible journalism.
