By George Ozalla
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed reports claiming that he promised to secure senatorial tickets for lawmakers who lost in the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, describing the reports as misleading and a distortion of his remarks.
According to a statement signed by Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President of the Senate, Senator Akpabio never made such a promise and did not authorise anyone to make it on his behalf.
The statement explained that the Senate President, while interacting with some of his colleagues affected by the outcome of the party primaries, merely expressed sympathy over their situation and assured them that the leadership of the APC was working to address concerns arising from the exercise.
It further stated that Senator Akpabio informed the affected senators that the party’s processes were still ongoing and that the final list of candidates would be released in accordance with the APC constitution and established electoral guidelines.
The Senate President stressed that he remains committed to party discipline, due process and the internal mechanisms provided by the APC for resolving disputes, adding that he would not interfere in matters that fall within the authority of the party.
The statement maintained that Senator Akpabio has always respected the autonomy of party structures and would not make commitments that are outside the responsibilities of the leadership of the National Assembly.
The Office of the President of the Senate also clarified reports concerning comments attributed to a senator calling for a Senate probe of the military over recent security incidents across the country.
While acknowledging that legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, the statement noted that Senator Akpabio believes a public probe of the Armed Forces at this time may not serve the nation’s best interest.
The statement stressed that Nigerian troops are currently engaged in sustained operations against terrorism, banditry and other security threats across several parts of the country and should be given the necessary support to remain focused on their assignments.
Senator Akpabio further stated that subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition at a critical moment in the nation’s security efforts could affect troop morale and create avoidable distractions from ongoing operations.
He added that constructive collaboration, institutional support and closed-door engagements with security agencies would be more productive in addressing concerns while strengthening the country’s security architecture.
The Senate President stressed that the Senate would continue to discharge its oversight responsibilities in line with its constitutional mandate but would do so in a manner that supports national security objectives and does not undermine the efforts of personnel risking their lives to protect the country.
He also urged media organisations and members of the public to disregard inaccurate and sensational interpretations of his comments and to seek clarification from his office whenever issues arise regarding his position on matters of public interest.
