By George Ozalla
The Ibibio Traditional Council in Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed its confidence and pride in the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, describing him as “a son we know very well and are proud of.” The declaration came during a courtesy visit by the Senate President and his entourage to the palace of the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, in Nsit Ubium on Friday.
Senator Osita Ngwu, the Senate Minority Whip, was among the high-powered delegation of National Assembly members who accompanied Akpabio on the visit, which was marked by traditional fanfare and deep expressions of kinship.
Welcoming Akpabio and his team, the Oku Ibom Ibibio expressed delight at the visit, describing the Senate President as a man whose record of service and leadership continues to bring honour to Akwa Ibom and the Ibibio nation. “This is our son, and we are very happy to receive him in this palace,” the royal father said. “We know Godswill Obot Akpabio, and we know what he can do. We are proud of his achievements as the Senate President.”
In what appeared to be a subtle response to critics and online detractors of the Senate President, the monarch added, “We know you, and we testify that we know who you are. If we don’t know who you are, then it means we are not yours. As a king, I know all my children—the good and the bad—but they must stay together so that the bad can learn from the good. Grace has taken you this far, and we thank God for your journey.”
The Oku Ibom Ibibio also used the occasion to commend President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his inclusive leadership and partnership with the Senate President. “When you return to Abuja, thank President Tinubu for us. We are happy that he is carrying you along in the administration of the country. To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said, while urging Akpabio to champion the actualisation of the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project.
According to a press statement signed by Jackson Udom, Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media, the monarch further commended the Senate for its recent legislative strides, particularly the bill addressing defilement of minors and other sexual offences, describing it as “a major step in protecting the nation’s moral fabric.”
Responding, Senator Akpabio expressed gratitude to the royal fathers for what he called an overwhelming and spontaneous reception. “I am very happy to be here with my colleagues and family. This shows that my home is intact,” he said. “Your peace-loving nature inspires us. The most costly peace is better than the cheapest war. Because of your prayers and counsel, Akwa Ibom has remained peaceful.”
The Senate President further described the visit as a symbolic step towards reconciliation and renewed unity among the people of the state. “My visit to this palace is a major reconciliation move that will rekindle peace, love, and unity in Akwa Ibom. Governor Umo Eno has shown great leadership by linking Akwa Ibom to the centre through his decision to join the APC. I will support him one hundred percent to succeed and return for a second term,” he said.
Akpabio urged citizens to disregard divisive rhetoric and embrace collective development. “Don’t listen to naysayers and blackmailers. We are working together for the peace and progress of our dear state,” he added, recalling how he personally handed over the APC structure in Akwa Ibom to Governor Eno as a gesture of political unity.
Senator Godswill Akpabio, a two-term governor of Akwa Ibom State and current President of the 10th Senate, has been widely credited with fostering new alignments between his home state and the federal centre. His visit to the Ibibio traditional institution further underscores his ongoing effort to consolidate unity and goodwill across political and cultural divides.
