Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been described as “self-centred and totally insensitive” after he turned his speech at the burial of the three late Wigwes into an avenue for political banters.
Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen and their first son Chizi died in a copter crash in California, USA, on February 9. Their weeklong burial attracted the crème de la crème of the business world and politics within and outside Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Akpabio had responded to a viral video uploaded on the internet, where the embattled Governor of River State, Siminalayi Fubara had urged the political class to reflect on the essence of their struggle and political activities.
He questioned the motives behind the intense political battles, asking if it was necessary to resort to violence and aggression.
“What is this struggle all about? You want to kill, you want to bury, what is it all about? Is it not enough today to ask ourselves why are we struggling?
“Why are we not making an impact in the lives of our people? Please, political class, let’s go home with that question, and be answering it in our minds, and reflecting it in what we do,” Mr Fubara had pleaded.
In a direct response to Mr Fubara, Mr. Akpabio said: “I will answer you. We are not talking politics. In 2006, I wanted to become the deputy governor and the then-deputy governor invited me and said this office has no money, there is nothing in it. I don’t know why you still insist on removing me from here and taking over.
“So, a woman who went with me said Your Excellency, don’t wait for impeachment, just resign since there is nothing in it (the office).”
According to the Senate President, the deputy governor stood up and started punching the woman.
“I said, ‘Your Excellency, don’t punch the woman; she is telling the truth. There is nothing in it. That’s why I want it because you are too big for it.
“Your Excellency, Governor Fubara, if there is nothing in the struggle, don’t struggle,” Mr Akpabio said.
The statement has since generated heated debates on social media, amid criticisms from many users of the X platform.
The founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Atedo Peterside, had expressed dismay over Akpabio’s comments at the funeral of the late Wigwe.
In a post on his X handle, Mr. Peterside recounted that Mr Akpabio began his address by lamenting that former Anambra state governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, received a better reception than himself.
Expressing his disapproval, Peterside questioned the appropriateness of making jokes and political jibes at a solemn event.
Peterside had tweeted:
For the record, I was among those who found the Senate President’s comments at the Wigwe Family Funeral in PH to be in poor taste. He began by lamenting that @PeterObi received greater applause than he (Akpabio) got & later told us to join him in consoling the widow who was lying… https://t.co/xIj9el3wGK
— Atedo Peterside (@AtedoPeterside) March 11, 2024
See further reactions to Akpabio’s statement:
Maybe he is always drinking something before attending all these official meetings
The same guy said Governors got 30bn naira each last month and it turned to be a HOAX!!
— BIG JOE OF AFRICA 🇳🇬🇫🇷 (@JosephOnuorah) March 11, 2024
Akpabio is the type of man that when he dies
The spirit will never rest
As his spirit is hovering around seeing all he left behind, pains anger and frustration will be eating him up in spirit world cos why did he die?
— CREDO (@Credo_promotion) March 11, 2024
To be clear, sir, all his comments since becoming the Senate president have been in poor taste.
Perhaps, even before. Very unprofessional.— HODDÉ (@ApexHodde) March 11, 2024
You guys went for a funeral and started dragging what is not there.. The political elites in Nigeria don’t have any single remorse and integrity in them
— Toochukwu (@jeffreyTK) March 11, 2024
P.O already called him uncommon senate president, so I am not surprised.
— SEA BABY! (@dhighsea) March 11, 2024
It was really sad and unfortunate to watch Akpabio descend that low in what was a normal solemn gathering… But a leopard cannot hide its stripes. It was just a matter of time before he embarrassed himself!
— OnileGogoro (@codshalom77) March 11, 2024
& later told us to join him in consoling the widow who was lying in one of the 3 caskets in front of him📌📌. Are you sure akpabio is okay.🤷
— Precious❤️ 🇳🇬 (@otakerioghenero) March 11, 2024
The man is an example of a failed system because under normal circumstances, he won’t be there as a senate president.
— A little kindness (@addel_cares) March 11, 2024
