Akpabio and Relatives Reject Sister-in-Law’s Claims, Call for IGP Investigation

Table of Contents

• Dismissal of Allegations
• Princess Akpabio's Video Accusations
• Youths' Reaction
• Call to the Inspector General
• Senator Akpabio's Response

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, along with the youth from his senatorial district of Ikot Ekpene, have dismissed the allegations made by Princess Pat Akpabio, the sister-in-law of the former governor, labeling them as an “attention-seeking endeavor.”

In a video, Princess Akpabio accused her brother-in-law, Senator Akpabio, of incompetence as Senate President and alleged his involvement in the deaths of several Akwa Ibom residents during his tenure as governor.

She threatened to reveal more secrets if Akpabio does not address her claims and expressed her intention to run against him in the 2027 elections.

This recent outburst has sparked a variety of reactions across the state, with many viewing it as a family dispute driven by greed and power struggles, while others have called for a resolution.

However, a coalition of youth groups from the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District held a press conference on Saturday, urging the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the allegations and require Princess to substantiate her claims.

The president of the coalition, Chief Umo Assiak, stated that plans are in motion to petition the American government, where Princess Akpabio resides, to compel her to return home and provide evidence for her allegations, asserting that they will not allow such serious claims to be ignored.

Assiak acknowledged that while the conflict between Akpabio and his sister-in-law is a family matter, the coalition will not permit the reputation of the Senate President, whom he referred to as a benefactor to many families, to be tarnished by “unfounded allegations.”

He stated, “We strongly condemn these reckless statements and online publications intended to ridicule the Senate President. The social media landscape should not be weaponized for blackmail or personal grudges. Nigeria is governed by laws, and the freedom of speech does not grant anyone the right to defame or insult others without facing consequences.

“The Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Youth Coalition considers these attacks an affront to the collective integrity of our community. It is both shameful and disappointing that individuals who have previously benefited from Akpabio’s goodwill and leadership have chosen to repay kindness with public disrespect.

“We remind the public that cybercrime laws are enforced. It is a criminal offense to use the internet to disseminate false, offensive messages or content intended to incite annoyance, hatred, or malice.

“Thus, we call on the Inspector General of Police to investigate these malicious online attacks and bring those responsible to justice. No one should be above the law. We are also reaching out to the American government to ensure that Pat must return to defend her statements.”

In response, Senator Akpabio, through his spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, questioned why someone making such serious allegations would choose Facebook as a medium instead of utilizing legal channels or reporting to security agencies for investigation.

He emphasized that anyone making assertions must provide proof, stating that the matter of murder is “not something to be used for attention-seeking; rather, it should be addressed through formal processes to file a complaint.”

Eyiboh remarked that it was unreasonable to accuse Akpabio of causing harm during his governorship when insecurity was a nationwide issue, not limited to Akwa Ibom or specific administrations.

“In cases like these, within our criminal justice system, social media should not be the platform for investigation. There must be a formal complaint. The law is clear: whoever makes an allegation must prove it, and that proof must follow a proper process. It should be reported to law enforcement, who will then investigate. If a criminal case is established, it will go to court, where a decision will be made. This is not a matter for social media. We do not wish to engage in social media trolling. Those who allege should provide evidence,” he stated.