Former lawmaker, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has strongly defended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing him as a man of “unimpeachable good character”.
Speaking on Monday, Murray-Bruce dismissed allegations of corruption against Akpabio, emphasizing that the Senate President has undergone multiple investigations by independent agencies, political allies, and adversaries, yet has consistently emerged without blemish.
According to him, the Senate President is a leader well-suited to guide the National Assembly during this crucial period in Nigeria’s development.
“On the issue of corruption, here we have a man who has been investigated in and out by independent investigative agencies and friends and foes alike, yet he has come out clean as a whistle,” Murray-Bruce stated.
He urged Nigerians to prioritize stability and competence in governance, warning against partisan attacks on the Legislature, which he described as a key pillar of democracy.
“Nigeria needs stability and men of ability, and it behoves us as a nation to tread with caution at this critical time of our national life. Institutions such as the Legislature should not be trifled with because of partisan considerations,” he said.
Senator Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, has faced scrutiny over the years, with the most recent case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Expressing unwavering support for Akpabio, the former senator vowed to resist any attempts to undermine the integrity of the National Assembly, both within and outside Nigeria.
“I will not stand idly by while some persons try, both home and abroad, to destroy an institution I was once proudly a part of,” he declared.
Reaffirming his patriotism, Murray-Bruce pledged to continue projecting a positive image of Nigeria while countering misinformation.
He dismissed attacks on Akpabio as baseless, asserting that facts must take precedence over speculation.
“Innuendo, hearsay, and dog whistles will always come. But they can never be so powerful that they will take preeminence over facts,” he concluded.
