Akpabio’s kinsmen reject claim he made anti-North remarks
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s kinsmen have faulted claims by a social media activist, Haruna Gololo, alleging that Akpabio made inciting comments against the North in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Haruna Garba, popularly known on social media as Garus Gololo, had, in a viral video, accused the Senate President of disrespecting the North, claiming that Akpabio said that “with or without the North, President Bola Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election.”
However, the group, under the aegis of the Isong Annang Ethnic Forum in Akwa Ibom State, in a statement issued in Uyo on Monday, defended the Senate President, saying it had investigated the claims and found the allegations to be false and orchestrated to tarnish his image.
The statement, signed by the National President of the group, Prince Mendy Archibong; National Secretary, Elder Mfon Ebong; and National Women Leader, Hon. Emilia Udom, urged the originator of the allegation to provide proof.
“As a forum, we have investigated the claims made by Gololo, which he maliciously credited to our son. We found no proof against our son. It is therefore expedient to state that Senator Akpabio did not make any statement to undermine the support and role the people of Northern Nigeria would play in the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the year 2027,” the statement said.
The group described Akpabio as a respected nationalist who understands the importance of fostering unity with Nigerians irrespective of tribe, faith or region.
According to the group, “Distinguished Senator Akpabio is a well-known nationalist with a political leadership record that shows his deep respect for the cultural and religious diversities in our nation.
“He understands the expediencies of fostering a warm, homogeneous bond of brotherhood with all Nigerians from every tribe, faith and region, despite their distinctive heterogeneity.
“His respect for our nation’s diversities predates his tenure as President of the Senate. This is obvious in major and basic lifestyle choices that our son made from when he served meritoriously as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.”
The group urged the leadership of Arewa to disregard what it described as a campaign of calumny and also called on Northern elites to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in the interest of justice, fairness and the preservation of political cooperation between the North and South.
“The forum calls on respected Arewa leaders and groups to discountenance the inciteful and divisive campaign of calumny fabricated by rampaging anti-unity propagandists who intend to cause disaffection and disharmony among ethnic groups and regions in the country, especially as the 2027 general elections draw nearer.
“For justice, fairness and for the purpose of preserving the long history of the shared political cooperation between the North and South, the forum calls on Northern Nigeria elites to support President Bola Tinubu’s second term in 2027 to balance the power rotation between the North and South.”
The group reiterated its support and solidarity with Tinubu and the Senate President, pledging to remain committed to mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
“Isong Annang Ethnic Forum reiterates its unalloyed support and solidarity with President Bola Tinubu and Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, and pledges to remain faithfully committed to encouraging mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence between the Annang nation and other ethnic groups and regions in Nigeria,” the statement added.
