Senate President Godswill Akpabio has returned to Nigeria after what his media office described as a short vacation in London, putting to rest social media rumours about his health.
Akpabio arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 4 a.m. on Monday, where he was received at the presidential wing by senators, aides, and supporters.
His return follows days of speculation online that he was critically ill and hospitalised in London.
Speaking to journalists shortly after his arrival, Akpabio dismissed the reports, describing them as “the imagination of the purveyors.”
“There’s nothing like such. I’m fit as a fiddle. I only stopped over in London for a short vacation,” he said.
Before travelling to the UK, Akpabio attended the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 29 to 31. He noted that the Nigerian delegation played a significant role in pushing for deeper democratic governance and stronger collaboration among arms of government.
The senate president also assured Nigerians of “robust legislative engagements” once the National Assembly reconvenes from recess.
Akpabio, 62, was elected president of the 10th Senate in June 2023. He previously served as governor of Akwa Ibom State and as minister of Niger Delta affairs.
Earlier, on August 11, Senator Gbenga Daniel, chairman of the senate committee on navy, had dismissed reports of Akpabio’s hospitalisation during a meeting in London.
“Your excellency, the news out there is that you have been indisposed, but seeing you here now paints a very different picture. Congratulations, your excellency,” Daniel said.
