By Solomon OKPO
The Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA), Akwa Ibom State, has strongly condemned the recent verbal outburst by Mrs. Patience Akpabio against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio,GCON, describing it as “an unfortunate, ill-advised, and disrespectful display unbecoming of a woman in the same community.”
In a statement released to the press in Uyo and signed by the President of ANPA, Pastor OsuniAbasi Alfred, the association expressed deep disappointment over Patience Akpabio’s remarks, which they described as a “calculated attempt to malign and distract a leader whose commitment to the development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria is beyond question.”
The association noted that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon leadership qualities that have brought pride and progress to Akwa Ibom State and the entire Niger Delta region. ANPA, therefore, finds it worrisome that someone closely related to such a towering political figure would publicly engage in actions capable of ridiculing both his person and the exalted office he occupies.
According to the statement, “It is disturbing that Mrs. Patience Akpabio, who should be a symbol of dignity and restraint, has chosen the path of public confrontation, hurling unwarranted insults at the Senate President in a manner that does not reflect the values of respect and decorum for which Akwa Ibom people are known. We find her comments divisive, unnecessary, and deeply regrettable.”
The association emphasized that the Senate President’s contributions to national development cannot be erased by what it called “a momentary fit of bitterness expressed on social media or other platforms.” They cited Akpabio’s achievements as governor of Akwa Ibom State, including massive infrastructural development, industrialization, and human capacity building, as legacies that have continued to speak volumes of his leadership style.
“Senator Akpabio remains one of the most impactful leaders from the Niger Delta, whose tenure as governor set the pace for modern Akwa Ibom. As a two-time senator, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, and now Senate President, his record of service stands tall in the annals of Nigeria’s political history,” the statement noted.
The media community in Akwa Ibom, under the umbrella of ANPA, expressed concern that such utterances, if left unchecked, could embolden others to engage in similar acts of public disrespect against constituted authorities. The association called on citizens, particularly those in the entertainment and media sectors, to exercise decorum and responsibility in the use of public platforms.
ANPA’s President further stated that the association values constructive criticism but frowns at any form of verbal abuse, blackmail, or deliberate misinformation aimed at discrediting leaders.
“Constructive criticism is the bedrock of democracy, but when personal grievances are masked as public opinion and expressed with venom, it becomes destructive and dangerous to the fabric of society,” he said.
He added that the association’s decision to speak out was not to stifle free speech but to uphold decency, decorum, and mutual respect in public discourse. “The freedom of expression guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution should not be abused or turned into a weapon for character assassination,” he emphasized.
ANPA urged the public to disregard the outburst, describing it as “a personal misjudgment not reflective of the collective sentiment of Akwa Ibom people.” The association also called on Mrs. Patricia Akpabio to tender an unreserved apology to the Senate President and the people of Akwa Ibom State for what it termed “a shameful exhibition of unprovoked hostility.”
“Leadership comes with challenges and criticisms, but when criticism degenerates into public ridicule, especially from a supposed relation, it becomes a moral question,” the statement continued. “We, as a body of responsible journalists and publishers, cannot watch silently while our revered son and leader is unjustly attacked without facts or decorum.”
The association reaffirmed its commitment to balanced reporting and responsible journalism while pledging continued support for peace, unity, and good governance in Akwa Ibom State. It reminded public commentators and social media users that their words carry weight and can either build or destroy reputations and relationships.
“As media professionals, we understand the power of words. We urge all citizens to use this power to promote peace, respect, and national development rather than division and hate,” the group stated.
In the same statement, ANPA commended Senator Akpabio for his maturity and calm response to the provocation.
The association praised his silence as a mark of true leadership and emotional intelligence, noting that great leaders often rise above petty distractions.
“Senator Akpabio’s refusal to engage in a war of words shows the depth of his leadership character. Rather than retaliate, he has remained focused on his duties as Senate President and continues to pursue policies and legislative agendas that will benefit all Nigerians. This is the hallmark of a statesman,” the association observed.
They further lauded Akpabio’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the National Assembly and promote synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government, emphasizing that such leadership is essential for national progress.
ANPA called on Akwa Ibom people at home and in the diaspora to rally around Senator Akpabio and support his leadership role at the national level. The association stressed that disunity and public bickering among indigenes could hinder the state’s growing influence in national politics.
“It is time for all Akwa Ibom sons and daughters to unite behind our leaders. Senator Akpabio’s current position is not just a personal achievement but a collective pride for the entire state. We must protect our image and heritage by promoting unity, respect, and responsible conduct,” ANPA declared.
The statement concluded by warning against further attempts to drag Senator Akpabio into unnecessary controversies, stating that such efforts would not succeed in distracting him from his national assignments.
“The Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association stands firmly against all acts of character defamation, particularly against leaders who have dedicated their lives to public service.
We will continue to advocate truth, fairness, and responsible communication in the public space,” the statement ended.
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