Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) on Monday joined fellow lawmakers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to welcome Senate President Godswill Akpabio back to the country.
Akpabio’s arrival at about 4 a.m. dispelled rumors about his health and signaled the beginning of what is expected to be a vigorous legislative session aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The Senate President had just concluded his participation at the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, before making a brief vacation stop in London.
In a statement, Senator Nwoko described Akpabio’s return as a source of renewed confidence for the Senate, stressing that the coming session would be dedicated to advancing the aspirations of Nigerians.
Speaking to journalists at the airport, Akpabio dismissed online speculations about ill health as “baseless falsehoods,” clarifying that his London stay was recreational.
“I am fit as a fiddle and ready to lead,” he affirmed, assuring Nigerians of “robust legislative engagements that will accelerate national development.”
At the Geneva conference, convened by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations, Akpabio led Nigeria’s delegation in discussions on “Parliamentary diplomacy and multilateralism: Delivering peace, justice and strong institutions for sustainable development.”
He outlined Nigeria’s efforts in education loans, vocational training, tax reforms, and direct cash transfers as key measures for poverty alleviation and governance reform.
His media office later emphasized that the London visit was strictly for rest and personal reflection, dismissing insinuations of medical concerns.
With the National Assembly set to reconvene, Akpabio’s return is seen as a rallying point for the Senate’s legislative agenda, particularly in addressing economic reforms, security, and governance.
On his official X handle, the Senate President wrote: “Our presence at the global parliamentary gathering in Geneva was a strong one. Now, we turn our focus to delivering on the aspirations of our people.”
Observers believe Akpabio’s renewed vigor, bolstered by his international engagements, positions the Senate to play a decisive role in Nigeria’s democratic and developmental progress.
