The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has officially disowned a Benue State-based support group that has been attributing its formation and leadership appointments to him. The group, known as Team Akpabio for Tinubu (TAT), has been making claims on social media that are now being clarified by the Senate President’s office.
In a statement released through his special adviser on media and publicity, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio emphasized that he has no affiliation with or operational knowledge of the internal affairs, appointments, or activities of any political support group, including TAT.
Featured snippet paragraph: The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has stated he has no affiliation with or operational knowledge of the Team Akpabio for Tinubu (TAT) support group. He specifically denies knowing its leader, Hon Aondoaver Nyakuma, or appointing him to any position.
Senator Akpabio further clarified that such groups are voluntary associations. Their members act on their own initiative in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Akpabio. These actions do not require the approval, endorsement, or authorization of the President of the Senate.
Specifically addressing the claims made by one Hon. Aondoaver Nyakuma, the statement from the Senate President’s office declared that Senator Akpabio does not know him. He has never appointed him, or any other individual, to any position within any political support group.
The statement also touched upon the relationship between Senator Akpabio and the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. The President of the Senate enjoys a cordial and respectful institutional relationship with the Governor and harbors no personal or political disputes.
It was also pointed out that Senator Akpabio does not represent Benue State in the National Assembly. Therefore, he has no obligation to intervene in intra-state political matters. His role as President of the Senate is national, constitutional, and institutional in scope.
The Office of the President of the Senate is urging the public and the media to disregard any statements or narratives that attempt to associate the Senate President with claims, appointments, or grievances originating from private political groups.
This disowning action highlights the importance of verifying affiliations and statements made by political support groups, especially when they claim endorsements from high-profile individuals.
The independent nature of these support groups means their activities are not directly controlled or sanctioned by the individuals they claim to support, underscoring the need for careful scrutiny of their pronouncements.
Understanding the distinction between official endorsements and voluntary support is crucial in navigating political discourse and preventing misinformation.
This situation also serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in political campaigning and the potential for misrepresentation of support.
Ultimately, the Senate President’s clear statement aims to prevent any undue association or misinterpretation of his involvement with grassroots political movements.
This clarification is vital for maintaining the integrity of public statements and ensuring accurate reporting of political affiliations and activities.
