By George Ozalla
President of the Senate, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has approved the appointment of Dr. Anietie John Ukpe as Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) in the Office of the President of the Senate, with effect from November 1, 2025.
According to a press statement signed by the Directorate of Human Resources and Staff Development, National Assembly, Abuja, the appointment underscores Senator Akpabio’s commitment to strengthening the research, strategy, and communication capacity of his office in pursuit of legislative excellence and institutional development.
Dr. Ukpe, a distinguished communication scholar, journalist, and public relations professional, brings to the position over three decades of multifaceted experience spanning broadcast journalism, public relations, advertising, media management, strategic communication, and leadership development.
According to the statement, Dr. Ukpe holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business and Organizational Communication and is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). He previously served as Director General of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) and is currently the Head of the Research and Speech Communication Unit in the Office of the Senate President.
An accomplished writer and thought leader, Dr. Ukpe has delivered keynote addresses and facilitated workshops across Nigeria and abroad on leadership, communication ethics, and youth mentorship. He is also an ordained minister and leadership mentor, passionate about nurturing a new generation of value-driven public servants and nation-builders.
In his new role, according to the release, Dr. Ukpe is expected to provide strategic advisory support, coordinate communication frameworks, and strengthen policy articulation and inter-institutional relations for the Senate President’s Office.
The appointment, which takes effect from November 1, 2025, will be governed by the terms and conditions specified by the National Assembly Service.
Dr. Ukpe’s appointment adds to the growing list of professionals being assembled by the Senate President to deepen institutional reforms, enhance research capacity, and promote effective public communication at the heart of the nation’s legislature.
