Chief Nse Ntuen, a respected elder in Akwa Ibom State and former lawmaker, has strongly defended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing him as a builder, not a destroyer.
Ntuen, who said he has known Senator Akpabio for over 50 years, dismissed the recent allegations made by Akpabio’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio, calling them baseless and malicious.
In a statement issued in Uyo, the former chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area said the accusations were a product of bitterness and deliberate mischief, not truth or reason.
According to him, the claims being circulated have no basis in fact or common sense. They are designed to tarnish the image of a man who has dedicated his life to service and progress.
We must never allow a culture of reckless falsehood to replace dialogue and truth. These claims are not merely offensive; they represent a conscious attempt to erode the dignity of honest leadership and to sow unnecessary discord among a people united by shared history and respect,” he said.
Ntuen, who also serves as an honorary adviser to Governor Umo Eno, said such personal attacks only distract from meaningful governance and the ongoing work of national renewal led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Akpabio playing a key legislative role.
“At a time when the Senate President is working tirelessly with the President to drive economic recovery, it is sad that anyone would choose to spread falsehoods for selfish reasons,” Ntuen said.
He praised Akpabio’s calm and restraint in the face of public attacks, describing it as a sign of maturity and true leadership.
“Leadership is not theatre; it is service. Akpabio’s calm response shows strength and focus. Instead of responding to noise, he continues to work for Nigeria.”
The Akwa Ibom elder also supported the statement issued by the Greater Akpabio Family, which expressed confidence in the Senate President and reaffirmed their unity.
He urged Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians at large to ignore what he called reckless falsehoods stressing that spreading lies only weakens the values of honesty and respect that define the people of the state.
When we reduce serious national conversations to gossip and innuendo, we harm our democracy. What Nigeria needs today are builders, not destroyers and Akpabio has chosen to be a builder. History will vindicate him.”
Ntuen reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Umo Eno’s vision of peace and unity, calling on citizens to focus on development rather than division.
“We stand with our leader, our brother, and our pride. Those who trade in lies will find that truth is patient, but it always endures.”