Senator Godswill Akpabio Warns Armchair Critics to Stop Running Uninformed Commentaries on the Senate
In a pointed and impassioned response to growing criticisms surrounding the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has warned individuals, particularly those making uninformed statements from the comfort of their homes, to refrain from running reckless and misleading commentaries. The senator, who is widely regarded as a seasoned political figure with decades of experience in Nigerian politics, criticized the wave of misinformation and political attacks leveled against the upper house, noting that these narratives were grounded in falsehoods and lacked substance.
Akpabio’s statements came amid a growing storm of discontent and controversy, much of it directed at the Senate’s role in the country’s governance and its leadership. Critics, often using social media and other platforms, have launched what they term as a crusade against the Senate’s recent activities, accusing it of being out of touch with the needs of the Nigerian people and too focused on self-interest. Akpabio’s response was not only a rebuttal of these claims but also a broader critique of what he perceived as a campaign of deliberate misinformation and political sabotage aimed at the Senate and the individuals leading it.
He did not mince words in addressing what he saw as the dangerous trend of “armchair critics” who, without firsthand knowledge or a deep understanding of the Senate’s operations, were spreading lies and sowing discord among the public. These critics, Akpabio contended, were undermining the credibility of the Senate and the very foundations of democracy in Nigeria. In his words, “Those of you jumping on the trend ignorantly, where is your sense of reasoning and judgement?” The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State was particularly scathing of those who, in his view, were more interested in discrediting political figures and institutions than contributing constructively to national discourse.
One of the most serious allegations Akpabio raised was that the criticisms directed at the Senate were not based on factual evidence but were part of a deliberate campaign of misinformation and propaganda. This campaign, according to Akpabio, was being spearheaded by individuals with a political agenda who were using misinformation to manipulate public opinion and damage the reputation of the Senate. He pointed to what he described as “deliberate lies, misinformation, and propaganda” that were being peddled by those who, in his view, were hiding behind the guise of political activism.
Akpabio called out individuals who were standing behind Senator Natasha Akpoti, a politician whose name had been tied to some of the controversy surrounding the Senate’s actions. While he did not elaborate on the specifics of the situation, Akpabio implied that these critics were using the case of Natasha Akpoti as a tool for advancing a broader political agenda. He accused them of choosing political expediency over truth and reason, asking, “Who silenced her? How was she silenced?” These rhetorical questions were meant to highlight what Akpabio saw as the disingenuous nature of the attacks on the Senate and its leadership.
In Akpabio’s view, the criticisms against the Senate were not only unfair but also dangerous. By perpetuating false narratives and sowing distrust in the Senate, these critics were undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and harming the country’s political stability. For Akpabio, this was a clear case of political sabotage—a deliberate attempt to discredit an institution that played a vital role in Nigeria’s governance.
One of the central themes in Akpabio’s warning to critics was the potential danger of ignorance in political discourse. He made it clear that those who were spreading misinformation about the Senate, particularly on social media and other platforms, were doing so without fully understanding the implications of their actions. “Where is your conscience?” Akpabio asked, addressing the critics who, in his estimation, had chosen to prioritize political score-settling over the truth.
According to Akpabio, the rise of social media and digital platforms had created a space where misinformation could spread quickly and easily. This, in turn, had allowed political actors with dubious intentions to manipulate public opinion and push their own agendas at the expense of truth and objectivity. For Akpabio, the proliferation of “uninformed commentaries” was one of the most dangerous developments in Nigerian politics, as it created a toxic environment where facts were secondary to opinion, and truth was often obscured by personal and political interests.
He also highlighted the role of social media influencers and so-called “political commentators,” who often made sweeping statements without fully understanding the complexities of the issues at hand. In Akpabio’s view, these individuals were more interested in gaining attention or furthering personal vendettas than contributing meaningfully to the national conversation. “Where is your sense of reasoning and judgement?” he asked, emphasizing the need for thoughtful and informed engagement with the political process.
Another significant aspect of Akpabio’s remarks was his criticism of political opportunism and the pursuit of personal vendettas at the expense of national interest. He accused some of his critics of allowing personal biases and political grudges to cloud their judgment and fuel a campaign of disinformation. For Akpabio, this was particularly evident in the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti, who had become a symbol for those attacking the Senate and its leadership. Akpabio raised the question, “Why have you chosen to be despicable and bring the country to disrepute just because you dislike one man or perhaps the party he represents?” This pointed question underscored his frustration with critics who, in his view, were willing to tarnish the reputation of the Senate and Nigeria’s political system for the sake of political point-scoring.
Akpabio also questioned the motives of those who, he believed, were using the political situation to advance their own personal ambitions. He noted that political discourse in Nigeria had become increasingly polarized, with individuals willing to go to great lengths to destroy the reputations of their opponents. In this context, Akpabio saw the attacks on the Senate as part of a larger pattern of political warfare—one that prioritized personal vendettas over the common good.
In his view, this kind of politics had become corrosive, eroding trust in political institutions and undermining the country’s democratic processes. By focusing on personal grievances and political payback, critics were not only discrediting themselves but also harming the broader political landscape. “There’s no limit to the extent you all will descend to just for political purposes,” Akpabio warned, emphasizing the dangers of allowing political battles to turn into personal vendettas that poisoned public discourse.
At the heart of Akpabio’s remarks was a defense of the Senate’s role in Nigeria’s political system. He reminded critics that the Senate was a key institution in the country’s democracy, with a constitutional mandate to represent the people, scrutinize legislation, and ensure that government actions were held to account. Despite the criticisms, Akpabio insisted that the Senate remained committed to its responsibilities and would continue to serve as a critical check on the executive branch of government.
He also pointed out that while the Senate, like any other institution, was not immune to criticism, the level of misinformation being spread by some critics was disproportionate and damaging. “The Senate is not perfect, but it plays a vital role in the nation’s governance,” Akpabio argued. In his view, critics should focus on providing constructive feedback rather than engaging in destructive campaigns that undermined the institution’s credibility and legitimacy.
Akpabio concluded his remarks by calling for a more responsible and informed approach to political discourse in Nigeria. He acknowledged that politics was inherently contentious and that disagreements were inevitable, but he stressed that these disagreements should be based on facts, evidence, and a commitment to the country’s progress.
Rather than resorting to cheap political tactics, Akpabio urged his critics to engage in meaningful dialogue and seek solutions to the challenges facing the country. “Stop running uninformed commentaries,” he said, emphasizing that a more thoughtful and respectful political discourse was essential for the growth and development of Nigeria’s democracy.
Senator Akpabio’s remarks serve as a clarion call for a more responsible and mature political discourse in Nigeria. He has warned against the dangers of misinformation, political opportunism, and personal vendettas that have come to dominate public discourse. In his view, the Senate and other political institutions should be respected for the vital roles they play in governance, and criticisms should be grounded in facts, not political grudges.
As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that Akpabio’s call for more informed and constructive engagement is one that should resonate with all political actors. Only through unity, mutual respect, and a commitment to the common good can the country move forward and address the myriad challenges it faces. The coming months will likely see more debates and discussions around these issues, but Akpabio’s warning to those spreading misinformation should serve as a reminder of the need for truth, integrity, and accountability in Nigerian politics.
