- Law at the University of Calabar
Godswill Obot Akpabio, born on December 9, 1962, in Ukana, Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is a prominent Nigerian lawyer and politician. Over the years, he has held several significant positions, including Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, and currently serves as the 15th President of the Nigerian Senate. His career has been marked by notable achievements and marred by controversies involving allegations of corruption, bribery, intimidation, and sexual misconduct.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Akpabio was born into the family of Chief Obot Akpabio and Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio (née Inyangetor). Following the early death of his father, he was raised by his mother. He began his education at Methodist Primary School, Ukana, and later attended Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, where he served as Senior Prefect.
He went on to study Law at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, where he was elected Speaker of the Student Union Government (SUG) during the 1987/88 academic year.
Professional Career
Before entering politics, Akpabio worked as a teacher and later joined Paul Usoro and Co., a leading Nigerian law firm, where he rose to the position of associate partner. He later became the Managing Director and CEO of EMIS Telecoms Limited, a wireless telecommunications company based in Lagos.
Political Career
Akpabio began his political career in 2002 when he was appointed Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources in Akwa Ibom State by then-Governor Obong Victor Attah. He also served in the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Lands and Housing until 2006.
In 2006, he contested and won the PDP governorship primaries and was subsequently elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2007. He was re-elected in 2011. During his tenure, he launched several infrastructure and education projects, earning national recognition.
In 2013, he was elected Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. In 2015, Akpabio transitioned to the National Assembly, representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District and served as Senate Minority Leader until his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018.
In August 2019, he was appointed Minister for Niger Delta Affairs by President Muhammadu Buhari and served until May 2022, when he resigned to contest the APC presidential primaries. Although he stepped down for Bola Tinubu, he returned to contest and win the 2023 Senatorial election. On June 13, 2023, he was elected President of the Nigerian Senate.
Controversies and Allegations
Corruption and Financial Mismanagement
Akpabio’s tenure as governor (2007–2015) was plagued by multiple allegations of corruption. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigated him for allegedly diverting over ₦100 billion in state funds. Although no formal charges were filed, these allegations significantly tainted his reputation.
In May 2020, while serving as Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, he was summoned by the House of Representatives over allegations of mismanaging ₦40 billion within the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Sexual Harassment Allegations
In 2020, Joy Nunieh, the former Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, intimidation, and corrupt practices. Akpabio denied all allegations and threatened legal action.
In February 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate comments and sexual advances towards her during a Senate-related event on December 8, 2023. Akpabio denied the allegations. On March 6, 2025, the Senate controversially suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing misconduct unrelated to her accusation. The suspension sparked widespread protests from civil society and women’s rights groups.
Intimidation and Abuse of Power
In 2015, lawyer Leo Ekpenyong, who accused Akpabio of corruption, was arrested and charged with defamation. This move raised alarms over the use of state power to suppress criticism and dissent, with many seeing it as an attempt to silence whistleblowers.
Personal Life
Akpabio is married to Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, founder of the Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI), a non-governmental organization focused on family development and women empowerment. The couple has four daughters and one son.
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