The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied reports circulating online that he collapsed and was flown to London for urgent medical attention.
Speaking on Monday, Kenny Okolugbo, a Consultant on Communications and Strategy to the Senate President, described the report as “fake news.”
When contacted by Daily Post over the health claims, Okolugbo said, “It’s a lie, fake news,” without providing further clarification.
The clarification comes on the heels of a report published by Sahara Reporters, which alleged that Akpabio collapsed on December 10 and was rushed to London in a private jet allegedly provided by business magnate, Aliko Dangote.
The report claimed that the Senate President is currently receiving treatment abroad and has been absent from official duties, notably the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) session held last Wednesday.
Akpabio’s absence was notable during the key legislative engagement on Nigeria’s fiscal strategy, where Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi stood in on his behalf.
A National Assembly source quoted in the report said, “He has already missed today’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework presentation.”
The same source alleged that this is “the second time he is being rushed to London for treatment,” raising fresh concerns over Akpabio’s health and his ability to lead the 10th Senate effectively.
As of the time of filing this report, the Senate leadership has not issued an official statement on the matter beyond Okolugbo’s dismissal of the report.