Netizens Berate Akpabio Over Clash With Senator Kingibe Over FCT Demolitions
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has faced widespread criticism from Nigerians on social media following a confrontation with Senator Ireti Kingibe (representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT) during a Senate plenary on Thursday. The incident unfolded when Kingibe attempted to raise a motion concerning the ongoing demolitions of properties in the FCT by Minister Nyesom Wike. Akpabio prevented her from speaking, sparking tension in the chamber.
Although fellow lawmakers intervened, encouraging Akpabio to allow Kingibe to present her motion, the tension escalated when Kingibe walked out in protest. She was later recalled, but was asked to apologize for leaving the chamber, which many found contentious. She eventually presented her motion, and an eight-member committee was formed to investigate the demolition exercise.
The video of the altercation quickly went viral, triggering backlash from Nigerians on social media. Many criticized Akpabio’s treatment of Kingibe, accusing him of authoritarian behavior and disrespect toward women lawmakers.
A Facebook user, Friday Chukwuemeke, expressed his frustration:
“Just imagine, a lawyer misbehaving just to score political goals to the admiration of his principal. Why on earth will he prevent a lawmaker from speaking, and we say we’re in a democracy? Is this not tantamount to dictatorship? I have repeatedly said that this man called Akpabio is not fit to be a Senator, talkless of being the number 3 citizen. Na God go save us.”
Ekemini Samuel criticized Akpabio’s fitness for leadership, calling him a “comedian” in the Senate. “A comedian is your number 3 man,” Samuel said.
Mathew Akhareme also condemned Akpabio’s alleged treatment of female lawmakers, saying, “The way Akpabio treats female senators is demeaning. You are asking her to apologize for walking out, forgetting it was a reaction to the disrespect and mistreatment you meted out on her. You were supposed to apologize to her too.”
Utsa Ushahemba Vitalis raised concerns about Akpabio’s gender sensitivity, commenting, “I guess this man has a problem with gender issues. The same humiliating manner he once addressed Sen. Natasha H. Akpoti. This is bad and highly condemnable! Be strong, Sen. Ireti Kingibe.”
Several users also criticized the Senate’s frequent reliance on committees for investigating national issues. Nonso Nicholas Edeani wrote, “Awkward set of people parading themselves as leaders. They’re always eager to set up a committee to investigate a problem that already obviously has a solution.”
Others targeted Akpabio’s leadership style, with one user remarking, “I think when Akpabio sits on that Senate President’s chair, he forgets that they all won senatorial constituencies. Maybe he’s thinking he won a state, and they won just one LGA. Someone should please remind that puppet of Tinubu.”
Dean Ojakre Aganbi commented, “The way Senator Akpabio is running the affairs of the Senate like his personal business baffles me. I really give it to Senator Ireti Kingibe for always standing out 👏👏👏.”
This incident has reignited debates over leadership conduct and gender sensitivity within Nigeria’s Senate. Many Nigerians are now calling for greater respect and fairness in the chamber, urging Akpabio to show respect for all Senators, regardless of gender or political affiliation.
