Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, continues to make the nation proud on the global stage. His recent participation at the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva, Switzerland, under the auspices of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), was nothing short of remarkable.
Akpabio’s address, “Courage to Legislate, Will to Lead”, captured the attention of world leaders, parliamentarians, and diplomats. His eloquence, vision, and firm commitment to peace, justice, and multilateralism reflect the image of a Nigeria that is resilient, reform-driven, and ready to lead in a world in turmoil.
What is even more striking is how warmly and excitedly Akpabio was received by the IPU. Despite weeks of politically motivated noise and distractions back home, the Senate President stood tall, his presence reinforcing that integrity speaks louder than falsehood.
It should be recalled that suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier rushed to the IPU with unsubstantiated allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, she even shed tears at the global stage while making complaints.
Yet, the IPU, renowned for its independent and thorough investigative processes, halted these claims after finding no credible evidence. In their earlier response to Natasha Akpoti, the IPU President Tulia Ackson acknowledged Natasha’s concerns, stating, “we have heard you”, and assured delegates that the organization would take her claims seriously.
She emphasized IPU’s commitment to fairness by confirming that the Nigerian Senate and Akpabio would also be given an opportunity to present their side before any decisions were taken, stressing that the Union follows established procedures in such cases.
With the IPU yet to make formal public statements following Natasha’s unsubstantiated allegations, emerging details point to conclusion as the likelihood of false accusations engineered for political mischief.
By boldly appearing before the IPU, engaging with global peers, and delivering a visionary address, Akpabio turned attempts to discredit him into a moment of national pride. His speech not only positioned Nigeria as a responsible voice in the global legislative community but also sent a clear message: weaponized falsehood cannot overshadow character, leadership, and results.
In the end, Akpabio’s Geneva outing is a victory for Nigeria’s democracy and a sharp rebuke to those who attempt to exploit international platforms for baseless character assassination.
– Fola Ademola, a Concerned Nigerian Observer, wrote from Abuja.
