Youths Warn Pat Akpabio Over Alleged Defamatory Comments Against Senate President
Youths under the platform of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Youth Coalition has issued a stern warning to Patience “Pat” Akpabio over what it described as “false and defamatory statements” against the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON.
In a statement jointly signed by the Coalition’s President, Chief Umo Assiak, the Secretary, Mr. Chris Ntuen, and others, on Saturday 18 October, the group expressed outrage at the series of social media posts allegedly made by Pat Akpabio, describing them as a “deliberate attempt to ridicule and malign a leader who has served Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria with distinction for more than two decades.”
“These statements are not only false but also an insult to the collective integrity of our people,” the statement read. “Senator Godswill Akpabio remains a symbol of hope, progress, and empowerment to thousands of young people across our district.”
The coalition cautioned against the misuse of social media as a tool for blackmail or personal vendetta, stressing that Nigeria’s cybercrime laws prohibit the spread of false or offensive content online.
“The social media space should not be turned into a weap0n of blackmáiI. Freedom of speech does not give anyone the right to insult or defame others without consequence,” the group warned.
The coalition called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the matter and prosecute anyone found guilty of defamation or cyberbullying.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists, Chief Umo Assiak advised Pat Akpabio to desist from making further public attacks and to seek peaceful resolution instead.
“Pat is a family member. We don’t want to wash our dirty linen in public. We are only appealing that she stops the allegations and blackmáiI. Akwa Ibom youths have been the greatest beneficiaries of governance under Senator Akpabio,” Assiak stated.
He further alleged that Pat Akpabio and her husband, Ibanga Akpabio, did not support Senator Akpabio’s senatorial bid in 2023, adding that the coalition has in its possession video evidence of “unprintable remarks” made against the Senate President.
“Despite their past conduct, Senator Akpabio has continued to show maturity and forgiveness,” Assiak added, while assuring that the group would purchase the 2027 Senate nomination form for the Senate President as a show of solidarity.
The coalition also appealed to community and religious leaders to caution individuals spreading falsehoods against public figures and to promote peace and mutual respect within the state.
“Our society cannot grow in an atmosphere of hate and slander. It is time for people to show gratitude, respect, and restraint in their public communication,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, commended the coalition for its mature approach and for not taking laws into their hands, pledging that journalists would ensure fair and responsible reporting on the matter.
“We believe this gathering is a step in the right direction. As journalists, we will ensure balanced reportage in a language that will not embarrass the reading public,” he assured.
Culled from NewsNectarNG
