A coalition of youths from Southern Nigeria has denounced a viral video allegedly tarnishing the image of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement in Uyo jointly signed by Mr James Akpan, Uduak Humphrey and Uchenna Idechukwuka, the group said that Akpabio couldn’t have said that Nigerians should go and eat free food because of the hard times.
The groups, comprising the Southern Youth Development Forum and leaders from various federal constituencies in Akwa Ibom State, described the video as a malicious attempt to undermine Akpabio’s integrity, according to The Nation.
The youths asserted that the video is fake and aimed at portraying Akpabio as anti-people, which they vehemently deny. They highlighted Akpabio’s track record of good governance, philanthropy, and dedication to the masses during his tenure as commissioner, governor, and minister.
Akpabio’s supporters warned those behind the video to cease their blackmail and fake news tactics. They emphasized that Akpabio’s followers are diverse and spread across Nigeria, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries.
Emeka Obielom, International Coordinator of Team Good Governance, expressed solidarity with Akpabio, praising his strong voice for the masses and commitment to good governance. Obielom’s statement echoed the sentiments of the Southern Nigerian youths.
The controversy surrounding the viral video has sparked widespread attention, with many Nigerians coming to Akpabio’s defense. As Senate President, Akpabio remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, known for his contributions to Akwa Ibom State and the Niger Delta region.
“The fake video circulating in social media against the Senate President, senator Godswill akpabio is an insult to the people of Akwa ibom and the Niger Delta where the Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio comes from.
“We see this as sponsored by the people who are unhappy with the Senate President’s popularity in the country and are making attempts to cause disaffection among the people,” the statement said.
“We are solidly behind him and no amount of blackmail will make the people to hate him. The doctored video is also to create impressions that Akpabio is anti people but they don’t know him as we do.
” As commissioner, governor and minister Akpabio has carved a niche for himself as a man who turned boys to men, a detribalised Nigerian, a great philanthropist, a great man who has affected the lives of so many people.
“This is a man who changed the face of governance in Akwa Ibom state and the Niger Delta. His support for President Bola Tinubu is also making some people envious of him. Akpabio as Senate President is busy mobilising the grassroots for Mr President.
“No amount of fake news will distract him or his followers who are growing across region. We are ready to raise more followers for the President through Akpabio because he is a man who loves the masses,” the youths maintained.
They cautioned those playing politics of blackmail, and fake news to desist henceforth, “as we are with the Senate President, his followers cut across nigeria and are beyond religion and ethnicity”.