SENATE PRESIDENT GODSWILL AKPABIO AND IKOT EKPENE YOUTHS DISMISS ALLEGATIONS BY SISTER-IN-LAW AS "ATTENTION-SEEKING".(PHOTO).

 Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Ikot Ekpene Youths Dismiss Allegations by Sister-in-Law as "Attention-Seeking"

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and a coalition of youths from his Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in Akwa Ibom State have rejected allegations made by his sister-in-law, Princess Pat Akpabio, labeling them as an "attention-seeking adventure." In a viral video, Princess Akpabio accused the former governor of incompetence as Senate President and alleged his involvement in the killing of some Akwa Ibom residents during his tenure as governor. She also threatened to reveal more secrets if her claims are not addressed and declared her intention to contest against Akpabio in the 2027 elections.

The accusations have sparked widespread reactions in Akwa Ibom, with some dismissing them as a family feud driven by greed and power struggles, while others called for a resolution. On Saturday, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Youth Coalition held a press conference, urging the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the claims and compel Princess Akpabio to provide evidence. The coalition’s president, Chief Umo Assiak, announced plans to petition the American government, where Princess resides, to ensure she returns to Nigeria to substantiate her allegations.

Assiak described the accusations as an attempt to tarnish Akpabio’s reputation, emphasizing that the Senate President has been a benefactor to many families. “We condemn these careless statements and online publications aimed at ridiculing the Senate President,” he said. “The social media space should not be turned into a weapon of blackmail or a platform for personal grudges.” He warned that such actions violate Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, which prohibit false or offensive content intended to cause harm, and called for those responsible to face justice.

Responding through his spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio questioned why Princess Akpabio used social media to make such serious allegations instead of pursuing legal or formal channels. “An allegation of that nature, within our criminal justice administration, you don’t use social media to probe,” Eyiboh said. “Whoever alleges must prove, and that proof has to be a process. You have to report it to the law enforcement agency.” He dismissed the murder allegations as irrational, noting that insecurity was a national issue during Akpabio’s governorship and not unique to Akwa Ibom.

The controversy continues to generate debate, with the youth coalition and Akpabio’s camp insisting that Princess Akpabio’s claims are baseless and defamatory. Further developments are expected as calls for investigation intensify.