Once labelled one of the worst Senate Presidents in history, largely due to the bitter Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan sexual harassment scandal that saw her suspended for six months and sparked nationwide outrage earlier this year, Dr Godswill Akpabio has staged a dramatic public comeback.

In the space of just 72 hours, the Senate President has earned widespread applause across social media and mainstream commentary for a series of decisive moves on national security.

Here are the five actions that have changed the conversation:

Firm stance on ministerial screening

During the confirmation of Gen. Christopher Musa as Defence Minister on December 3, Akpabio rejected the usual “bow and go” courtesy, insisting on tough questions about kidnapping and security failures. “This is not the time for politics of ‘bow and go’… with over 200 children still in the bush,” he told senators, earning praise for putting accountability ahead of party loyalty.

Declaring kidnapping a terrorist act

In the same session, Akpabio announced that the Senate now classifies kidnapping as terrorism, punishable by death with no option of fine. The declaration, coming amid relentless abductions, was instantly hailed as the strongest official signal yet of zero tolerance for bandits.

Sacking security committee chairman

On December 2, the Senate under Akpabio removed Senator Shehu Buba Umar as Chairman of the National Security and Intelligence Committee over allegations of links to terrorists, including reportedly sponsoring bandits to Mecca. Many described the swift action as “cleaning house” and a rare courage from the upper chamber.

Generous donation to veterans

At the launch of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem on December 2, Akpabio personally donated ₦100 million and unveiled a “Thank a Soldier” public appreciation platform, moves widely seen as genuine support for the military rather than political theatre.

Witty, no-nonsense Senate chairing

Viral clips from the Musa screening showed Akpabio in full control, shutting down off-topic senators with sharp one-liners such as “If he doesn’t know [the role difference], you can go and teach him,” turning a normally dull session into engaging, focused theatre and earning millions of views.

For a leader who spent most of 2025 defending himself against the Natasha scandal, the past week has marked a surprising and, for many Nigerians, welcome turnaround.