ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, chairman of the Silverbird Group, has refuted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s claim that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is corrupt.
Atiku recently made the allegation during an interview with journalist Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, stating that he had received reports of Akpabio’s corruption while the latter was in office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. The Waziri Adamawa also accused Akpabio of being a serial abuser of women.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday evening, Senator Murray-Bruce came to Akpabio’s defense, describing him as a man of integrity and strong character.
“I know Senator Godswill Akpabio personally and intimately. He is a man of unimpeachable good character, and both the South-South and Nigeria are fortunate to have him at the helm of affairs at the National Assembly at this delicate stage in our national growth,” Murray-Bruce stated.
Addressing the corruption allegations, he emphasized that Akpabio had undergone multiple investigations and had not been found guilty.
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“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,” he added.
The former senator further stressed the need for stability in Nigeria, cautioning against the politicization of key institutions.
“Nigeria needs stability and men of ability, and it behooves 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 warned.
Declaring his unwavering support for Akpabio, Murray-Bruce vowed to defend the Senate’s reputation and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“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 stated.
“I am a Nigerian who is proud of Nigeria and will give my all to protect and project my country to the world.
“I give him my right hand of fellowship and stand firmly with him.
“Innuendo, hearsay, and dog whistles will always come. But they can never be so powerful that they will take preeminence over facts,” he concluded.