Akpabio not qualified to judge Fubara, says Timi Frank

Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing him as unfit to judge the character of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Frank’s rebuke follows Akpabio’s remarks during an event in Port Harcourt to mark the 57th birthday of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Akpabio had accused Governor Fubara of “treachery and betrayal” towards Wike.

READ MORE: Akpabio queries Fubara’s failure to resolve Rivers political crisis

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Frank countered Akpabio’s claims, asserting that the Senate President lacked the moral standing to make such judgements. He dismissed Akpabio’s comments as hypocritical, claiming, “Akpabio cannot give what he does not possess.”

“The man who spoke is a known betrayer, (and) the man who he was defending is a betrayer,” Frank stated. So a betrayer and treacherous character is most unqualified to tag a more decent and responsible man a betrayer.”

Frank alleged that Akpabio has a history of political betrayal, accusing him of switching allegiance for personal gain.

READ MORE: Akpabio takes swipes at Fubara, PDP during Wike’s birthday celebration

He further criticised Akpabio for allegedly turning the Senate into “a rubber stamp and an extension of the executive.” Frank also accused Akpabio and Wike of undermining their respective political parties.

“Akpabio betrayed the PDP when he defected to the APC even as minority leader in the 8th Senate. Besides, we don’t think Wike can complain of being betrayed because despite past antecedents, he is still very well in the game of betrayal by being a PDP minister in an APC administration.

“Wike betrayed PDP in cahoots with four other governors and the party lost massively in 2023. Since then he has remained incurable by ensuring that all efforts by leaders of the party to put their acts together are frustrated,” Frank noted.

READ MORE: PDP flays Akpabio’s political jibe at Wigwe’s funeral

Frank defended Governor Fubara’s leadership, praising his commitment to serving the people of Rivers State. He accused Akpabio of disliking Fubara because of the Governor’s refusal to succumb to external pressures.

“Akpabio hates Governor Fubara because he is not used to standing for his people, when they need him the most,” Frank said.

Frank encouraged Governor Fubara to remain steadfast, citing the recent Appeal Court ruling that restored monthly allocations to Rivers State as a sign of vindication. “The end will justify the means,” Frank added.

Frank urged the public to disregard Akpabio’s accusations, describing them as baseless distractions from the pressing needs of Rivers State residents. He called on Governor Fubara to focus on delivering good governance and resisting efforts to undermine his administration.

“We urge the public to disregard Akpabio’s baseless accusations against Governor Fubara and instead focus on the issues that matter most to the people of Rivers State,” Frank concluded.