Issued on Friday, 11th September, 2026, at the Council Headquarters, Afaha Ikot Ebak, Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
The Government and good people of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, have joined other well-meaning Nigerians in strongly condemning the campaign of calumny, blackmail, name-calling and character assassination directed at Her Excellency, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, following her visit to the Chambers of the Senate of the National Assembly on Saturday, 5th September, 2026.
We are particularly concerned that a legitimate and well-intentioned visit has been deliberately misrepresented and turned into a negative political campaign on social media, apparently targeted at our illustrious son, Distinguished Senator Godswill O. Akpabio, GCON, President of the Senate and Chairman of the 10th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
After due consideration of the matter, the Government and good people of Essien Udim Local Government Area state as follows:
- That we understand that the necessary protocols and security arrangements required for the visit to the Senate Chambers were duly observed. Her Excellency was accompanied by persons responsible for technical services and verification relating to the facilities being inspected.
It is therefore false, misleading, mischievous and totally unfounded to attribute sinister intentions to the visit or to subject Her Excellency to derogatory and defamatory name-calling.
- That Her Excellency, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, is widely known as a devout and God-fearing woman of the Catholic faith who upholds the virtues of motherhood, love, care, compassion and service. Her public conduct has remained exemplary.
We further understand that the visit was known to the Senate President and that the inspection of the facilities took place at a time when plenary was not in session.
- That personnel responsible for the security and protection of the Senate Chambers were present during the visit. It is therefore highly irresponsible, contemptuous and malicious for anyone to attach sinister, spiritual or criminal motives to the visit or to make unfounded allegations concerning the persons who accompanied Her Excellency.
Such allegations are baseless and constitute an unacceptable attempt to malign the character, dignity and reputation of a distinguished Nigerian woman.
- That we acknowledge the efforts of the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill O. Akpabio, GCON, in promoting peace, stability, cooperation and harmony within the National Assembly.
Her Excellency, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, has consistently been known to be supportive of her husband and his responsibilities as President of the Senate.
We therefore consider the current campaign against her person as an unfortunate attempt to create unnecessary distraction and disaffection around the leadership of the National Assembly.
The use of artificial intelligence and other manipulated or misleading materials to create false impressions about the visit further underscores the need for the public to exercise caution and verify information before accepting or disseminating such materials.
- That we strongly warn all individuals and groups who have allowed themselves to be recruited into any campaign of insult, blackmail and defamation against the person and character of Her Excellency, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, her husband, the Senate President, and their family, to desist immediately.
- That we urge members of the public to disregard unverified, malicious and misleading narratives being circulated on social media concerning the visit. Nigerians are encouraged to always seek facts and credible information before accepting or disseminating allegations capable of damaging the reputation of individuals or institutions.
- That the National Assembly is an institution of national importance with established protocols, accredited personnel and security structures. If there had been any breach of its established principles or protocols as alleged, the relevant authorities and management of the National Assembly would be in the best position to address such a matter.
It is therefore inappropriate for individuals without credible evidence to present themselves as investigators, prosecutors and judges on social media.
- That the Government and good people of Essien Udim Local Government Area hereby pass a Vote of Confidence on Distinguished Senator Godswill O. Akpabio, GCON, President of the Senate and Chairman of the 10th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his leadership and contributions towards peace, stability and harmony in the National Assembly.
In the same vein, we pass a Vote of Confidence on Her Excellency, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, for her exemplary conduct, commitment to family values and continued support for her husband in the discharge of his responsibilities as President of the Senate.
We call on all persons of goodwill to refrain from politics of bitterness, blackmail and character assassination, and to promote responsible public discourse, mutual respect and peace.
Dated this 11th day of September, 2026.
For and on behalf of the Government and good people of Essien Udim Local Government.
Hon. Elder Ntiedo Usoro
Executive Chairman,
Essien Udim Local Government Area.