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Rep cautions Akpabio’s sister-in-law over ‘blackmail’ of senate president

Patrick Umoh, a member of the house of representatives, has warned against a “campaign of blackmail” targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio. 

The lawmaker, representing the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara federal constituency of Akwa Ibom, was reacting to an allegation by Patience Akpabio, sister-in-law to the senate president, linking the presiding officer of the red chamber to killings in the state.

In a statement issued on Monday, Umoh said he was “compelled by conscience and duty” to caution against the “false and disrespectful” remarks on Akpabio.

“I am compelled, both by conscience and by duty, to lend my voice against the ongoing campaign of blackmail and defamation being perpetrated by one Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio against the President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON,” the statement reads.

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“I cannot in good conscience remain silent while falsehood is weaponised against a man who has devoted his life to public service and human development.”

Umoh recalled serving as Akpabio’s senior legislative aide during his tenure as senate minority leader in the 8th national assembly, and later as special assistant when he was minister of the Niger Delta affairs.

The lawmaker noted that he gained insight into the senate president’s passion for commitment to national unity while working with him.

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“It is therefore deeply disturbing and regrettable that Mrs Patience Akpabio, a member of the greater Akpabio family and a wife in Essien Udim Local Government Area, one of the three Local Governments I have the honour to represent in the National Assembly, has chosen the path of malicious blackmail and unfounded accusations,” he said.

“Her recent posts on social media, where she shamelessly described the Senate President in defamatory and disrespectful terms, are not only false and unbecoming but also an affront to our collective values as a people known for respect, dignity, and unity.

“I therefore call on Mrs Patience Akpabio to immediately cease and desist from this unprovoked and dishonourable campaign of character assassination.

“It is imperative that she reflect soberly on the consequences of her actions on the emotional, reputational, and moral damage they inflict not only on Senator Akpabio but also on the Akpabio family and the good people of Essien Udim Local Government Area.”

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Afe Nkuku Annang, the apex body of traditional rulers in Annang land, Akwa Ibom, had invited Akpabio’s sister-in-law over the alleged defamatory and inciting social media posts.

Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio’s spokesperson, had said Patience should have reported her allegations to security agencies rather than making defamatory comments against the senate president.

“The issue of murder is not an issue that you want to use for a political vendetta. The law is very clear that whoever asserts must prove,” Eyiboh said.

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