Senate President Godswill Akpabio returned to Abuja in the early hours of Monday after a brief vacation in London, quelling speculation that he had been critically ill and hospitalised abroad.
Akpabio, who had led Nigeria’s delegation to the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva from July 29 to 31, extended his trip to the United Kingdom. His absence quickly fuelled whispers over his health and capacity to steer the upper chamber.
Touching down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 4 a.m., Akpabio was welcomed by senators, aides, and supporters in what many described as a carefully staged show of solidarity.
Speaking to reporters, the Senate President dismissed concerns about his health and promised Nigerians “robust legislative engagements” when the National Assembly reconvenes. He also defended the size of Nigeria’s parliamentary delegation to Geneva, saying it was necessary for deepening democratic practice and strengthening ties with counterparts across the globe.