ABUJA, Nigeria – Senate President Godswill Akpabio is once again at the center of controversy following his decision to provide his wife, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, an official office within the Senate.
Mrs Unoma Akpabio, founder of the Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI), a non-governmental organization, now reportedly has access to what is being referred to as the “First Lady’s office to the Senate President.” Sources have confirmed that such an office did not previously exist in the Senate.
Sahara Reporters cites ‘insider sources’ that reveal widespread dismay among fellow senators.
“There is outrage in the National Assembly because Senate President Akpabio created an office for his wife, Unoma. There is now an office of First Lady to the Senate President,” one source was quoted as saying.
This recent upheaval is not Senator Akpabio’s first brush with controversy. In August, Akpabio was the subject of fellow senators’ ire when a video went viral showing him insinuating that senators had received bribe money in relation to ministerial screenings.
“In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the clerk of the national assembly,” Akpabio is heard saying in the video while addressing fellow senators.
The statement led to uproar in the chamber, prompting Akpabio to quickly retract his words, saying, “I withdraw that statement. In order to allow you to enjoy your holiday, the senate president has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.”
