Senate President Godswill Akpabio has returned to Nigeria from London, firmly dismissing widespread social media reports that he was critically ill and hospitalised abroad.
Arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 4:00 am on Monday, Akpabio was received at the presidential wing by senators, aides, and supporters.
Speaking to journalists shortly after his arrival, the Senate President described the rumours as unfounded, stressing that he only took a short break overseas.
“There’s nothing like such. I’m fit as a fiddle. I only stopped over in London for a short vacation,” Akpabio stated.
The 62-year-old leader had earlier attended the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland (July 29–31), where the Nigerian delegation advocated for stronger democratic governance and improved collaboration between arms of government. He later proceeded to the United Kingdom before returning home.
Akpabio assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would resume with “robust legislative engagements” after its recess, reiterating his commitment to effective parliamentary leadership.
Supporting his statement, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, also dismissed the speculation.
“Your Excellency, the news out there is that you have been indisposed, but seeing you here now paints a very different picture. Congratulations, Your Excellency,” Daniel remarked during a meeting in London.
Akpabio, who became Senate President in June 2023, previously served as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
