Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio has returned to the country after a brief vacation in London, putting to rest speculations surrounding his health and reaffirming his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Akpabio arrived early on Monday and touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 4:00 a.m., according to a statement issued by his media office.
A delegation of senators and personal aides received him at the Presidential Wing.
Akpabio’s office clarified that, contrary to speculations, He was neither critically ill nor admitted to any London hospital.
The statement described such claims as unfounded and misleading, stressing that his absence was strictly due to official and personal engagements.
The clarification recalled that Akpabio had earlier participated in the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, which was held between July 29 and 31.
The international gathering brought together presiding officers of parliaments from across the globe to deliberate on strengthening parliamentary democracy, international cooperation, and legislative effectiveness.
Following the conference, Akpabio proceeded to London to observe a short vacation before returning home.
Speaking to journalists at the airport, Akpabio reaffirmed his readiness to provide robust and people-centred legislative engagements as the National Assembly prepares to resume plenary.
He promised that under his leadership, the Senate would continue to enact laws and oversight functions that would directly impact the lives of Nigerians.
The Senate President further defended the participation of a strong Nigerian delegation at the International Parliamentary Union event in Geneva.
According to him, such engagements are essential for showcasing Nigeria’s democratic progress and for drawing global support and collaboration in areas that would benefit the country.
He assured Nigerians that the legislature, in collaboration with the executive and judiciary, would deliver more democratic dividends, strengthen governance, and create platforms for effective national development.