The Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Public Affairs, Eseme Eyiboh, has dismissed as baseless the murder allegations levelled against Senator Godswill Akpabio by his sister-in-law, Patience Akpabio.
Naijaonpoint reports that Patience had recently taken to social media, accusing the Senate President of being linked to unresolved killings in Akwa Ibom during his tenure as governor.
The allegation has triggered widespread reactions, with groups and individuals condemning what they described as a reckless attempt to tarnish Akpabio’s image.
In a press conference, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Youth Coalition urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the allegations.
Its president, Chief Umo Assiak, warned against using social media as a weapon of blackmail or settling personal grudges.
“We condemn in the strongest terms these careless statements and online publications aimed at ridiculing the Senate President. The social media space should not be turned into a weapon of blackmail or a platform for personal grudges,” Assiak said.
He added that though the dispute between Akpabio and his sister-in-law might be a family matter, the coalition would not allow “the image of the Senate President, who is a benefactor to many families, to be dragged in the mud by unsubstantial allegations.”
The coalition further reminded the public of Nigeria’s cybercrime law, describing it as a criminal offence to spread false or offensive information online. They also hinted at plans to petition the American government, insisting Patience Akpabio must defend her claims.
‘Whoever Alleges Must Prove’ — Eyiboh
Reacting, Eyiboh faulted Patience Akpabio’s decision to make such grave accusations on social media rather than through lawful channels.
“You know an allegation of that nature, or within our criminal justice administration, you don’t use social media to probe. There has to be a formal complaint. The principle of law is very clear, whoever alleges must prove, and that proof has to be a process. You have to report it to the law enforcement agency. It will be investigated, and when a criminal case is established, they take it to court. The court will now decide. So it’s not a social media thing,” he said.
Eyiboh argued that linking Akpabio to killings during his governorship was irrational, stressing that insecurity was a national problem that predated and extended beyond his tenure.
“The issue of murder is not something one should use in seeking attention. Whoever alleges should prove,” he added.
The row comes just days after Akwa Ibom traditional rulers under the Afe Nkuku Annang summoned Patience Akpabio and her husband, Ibanga, to appear before them within seven days over the same allegations, warning of sanctions if they failed to comply.
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