Slams Obi’s ‘labour of our fallen heroes in vain’ remarks

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has firmly rejected growing calls for his resignation, vowing to remain in office despite mounting pressure over allegations of sexual harassment and electoral misconduct.

The Senate’s valedictory session yesterday, in honour of the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, recorded a dramatic twist as Akpabio poured verbal venom on the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, for declaring that the labour of our fallen heroes was in vain.

Akpabio, who has faced intense public scrutiny in recent weeks, stands accused by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of sexual harassment. He is also linked with allegations of electoral fraud during the 2019 general elections.

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and opposition figures have urged him to step aside to allow for an independent investigation and to uphold the integrity of the Senate.

Speaking on the Senate floor, yesterday, Akpabio dismissed the allegations as “frivolous” and politically-motivated, maintaining that he would not be forced out of office without due process or credible evidence.

“I will not allow myself to be a victim of miscarriage of justice,” Akpabio declared, responding to remarks by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who had earlier called on lawmakers to remain focused on their legislative duties amid the ongoing controversies.

While acknowledging the public’s right to scrutiny, Akpabio insisted that criticism must be grounded in truth.

“I will not step down for false allegations,” he said, citing the dangers of mob justice and pointing to historical cases of false accusations derailing public careers.

Defending the Senate’s legislative agenda, Akpabio highlighted the passage of key tax reforms and coming efforts to address electoral and constitutional reforms. “In the last six months, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the laws we pass serve the best interests of our country,” he said, referring to bills introduced in November 2024 and the Senate’s engagement with stakeholders from across the executive, civil society and professional groups.

He also took issue with recent comments by the Minister of Defence, who reportedly downplayed the need for a proposed national security summit.  

Describing the remarks as “concerning”, the Senate President stressed the importance of inter-governmental cooperation and warned against public disputes between branches of government.

“If the minister thinks a national security summit is unnecessary, then I am concerned,” he said. “Any issue with Senate resolutions should be communicated through the proper channels, not aired publicly.”

He cautioned against executive-legislative tensions, urging ministers to show respect for institutional processes.His remarks are coming at a critical juncture as the 10th Senate seeks to establish itself as a stabilising force in governance. Akpabio’s defiant posture underscores his determination to stay the course, despite mounting external pressure.

The backlash, however, remains divided. Supporters within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) argue that Akpabio is the target of a coordinated political campaign, while critics insist the allegations are serious enough to warrant a temporary withdrawal pending a transparent investigation.

Although no formal charges have been filed against him, civil society actors continue to demand accountability and transparency, warning that failure to act could erode public confidence in the National Assembly.

Obi had lamented during Clark’s memorial lecture, on Wednesday, that the labour of our heroes past is now in vain.

“He said: “For somebody like me, who had just been part of the 2023 general election, he (Clark) lived a life of courage, sacrifice, justice, a life that is valued. But most importantly, he continued living that life to the end. So, why are we saying it (labours of heroes’ past) should not be in vain? But I can tell you their sacrifice is in vain. They have sacrificed for nothing.”

Akpabio rather challenged Obi to first resolve the crises in his party
For the number three citizen, the mere fact that Nigeria still exists as a nation is a pointer to the fact that the labour of our fallen heroes is not in vain.

“To the Clark family, let me assure you that the enormous turnout today reflects how deeply cherished your late patriarch was. His sweat, his labour and his legacy were certainly not in vain.

The Senate observed a moment of silence in Clark’s memory and unanimously supported the call for national immortalisation.