Northern Group Defends Akpabio, Condemns Reckless Attacks on Senate President’s Office
By Aluta News
October 26, 2025
The Alliance of Northern Development (AND) has condemned what it described as the “reckless use of social media and public commentary” to malign the person and office of the President of the Senate, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON.
In a statement signed by the National Chairman of the group, Joseph Bagudu and issued in Abuja, the group expressed deep concern over what it called a growing culture of online insults and misinformation directed at one of the most important offices in Nigeria’s democratic structure.
“The Office of the Senate President represents the collective integrity of the legislature, the voice of the people, the guardian of the Constitution, and the conscience of the Republic,” the statement read. “Any attempt to trivialize or demean that office is, by extension, an attack on the nation itself.”
While acknowledging that democracy guarantees freedom of expression, the group cautioned that such rights must be exercised responsibly.
“When private grievances or political frustrations are converted into public theatre, it degrades our values, distracts leadership, and misleads the unsuspecting public. This culture of unrestrained abuse must not be mistaken for activism; it is recklessness masquerading as free speech,” the group stated.
The Alliance of Northern Development commended Senate President Akpabio for his composure in the face of provocation, describing his restraint as a mark of true leadership.
“Chief Akpabio has served Nigeria with distinction across multiple capacities — as Governor, Minister, and now Senate President. His record of public service speaks for itself,” the group said. “The nation deserves to see its leaders supported in their mandate to govern, not distracted by endless cycles of insult and misinformation.”
Reaffirming its support for the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the alliance said the current administration continues to demonstrate faith in experienced and patriotic statesmen.
The group urged Nigerians, particularly leaders and media practitioners, to show restraint, maturity, and patriotism in their public engagements.
“To the media, we appeal for professionalism and responsibility. Headlines should heal, not harm; reports should clarify, not confuse. A society that destroys its symbols of authority in the name of free speech only prepares the ground for chaos,” it warned.
The statement a call for the protection of national institutions and the unity of Nigeria.
“The Senate Presidency is not just a political position; it is a trust of history. Let us protect it, not pollute it,” the group declared.