The Government and people of Essien Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State have condemned the campaign of calumny, blackmail and insults directed at the wife of the Senate President, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, over her recent visit to the Senate Chambers.

 

The position of the local government was contained in a communiqué issued on Friday, 11th September, 2026, at the Council Headquarters, Afaha Ikot Ebak, and signed by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Elder Ntiedo Usoro.

 

In the communiqué, the council said it was joining other well-meaning Nigerians to strongly condemn the name-calling and character assassination that followed Her Excellency’s visit to the Senate on Saturday, 5th September, 2026.

 

The council expressed concern that what it described as a legitimate and well-intentioned visit has been deliberately misrepresented on social media and turned into a negative political campaign.

 

According to the statement, the attacks appear to be targeted at its illustrious son, Distinguished Senator Godswill O. Akpabio, GCON, President of the Senate and Chairman of the 10th National Assembly.

 

After due consideration, the government and people of Essien Udim outlined their position in eight points, seeking to set the records straight.

 

First, the council said it understands that all necessary protocols and security arrangements required for the visit to the Senate Chambers were duly observed by Her Excellency.

 

It noted that Dr. Unoma Akpabio was accompanied by persons responsible for technical services and verification relating to the facilities being inspected at the time.

 

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, the council stated.

 

Secondly, the communiqué described Her Excellency as a devout and God-fearing woman of the Catholic faith who upholds the virtues of motherhood, love, care, compassion and service.

 

The council stressed that her public conduct has remained exemplary over the years and beyond reproach.

 

It added 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.

 

In its third point, the LGA stated that personnel responsible for the security and protection of the Senate Chambers were present during the visit.

 

It said it is highly irresponsible, contemptuous and malicious for anyone to attach sinister, spiritual or criminal motives to the visit or to make unfounded allegations about those who accompanied her.

 

Such allegations, the council said, are baseless and constitute an unacceptable attempt to malign the character, dignity and reputation of a distinguished Nigerian woman.

 

Fourthly, the council acknowledged the efforts of Senate President Godswill Akpabio in promoting peace, stability, cooperation and harmony within the National Assembly.

 

It said Her Excellency has consistently supported her husband in the discharge of his responsibilities as President of the Senate.

 

The council therefore considers the current campaign against her as an unfortunate attempt to create unnecessary distraction and disaffection around the leadership of the National Assembly.

 

It also raised alarm over the use of artificial intelligence and other manipulated or misleading materials to create false impressions about the visit.

 

The council warned that this development underscores the need for the public to exercise caution and verify information before accepting or disseminating such materials.

 

In its fifth point, Essien Udim LGA strongly warned all individuals and groups who have allowed themselves to be recruited into any campaign of insult, blackmail and defamation to desist immediately.

 

It urged members of the public to disregard unverified, malicious and misleading narratives being circulated on social media concerning the visit.

 

Nigerians, the council said, should always seek facts and credible information before accepting or sharing allegations capable of damaging reputations.

 

It further stated 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 it, the statement added.

 

It is therefore inappropriate for individuals without credible evidence to present themselves as investigators, prosecutors and judges on social media.

 

Finally, the Government and good people of Essien Udim LGA passed a Vote of Confidence on Senator Godswill Akpabio for his leadership and contributions towards peace, stability and harmony in the National Assembly.

 

In the same vein, it passed 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.

 

The council called 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.