The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has returned to Nigeria from London, dismissing widespread rumours that he was critically ill.
Akpabio, who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 4:00 a.m. on Monday, appeared in high spirits and was received at the Presidential Wing by senators, aides, and supporters from across the country.
Social media reports had claimed that the Senate President was hospitalised in London, but he described the speculation as false.
“There’s nothing like that. I’m fit as a fiddle. I only stopped over in London for a short vacation,” Akpabio told journalists shortly after his arrival.
The Senate President had earlier attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 29 to 31, before traveling to London for what he called “a well-deserved rest” after a hectic legislative year.
Speaking on resumption of the National Assembly, Akpabio assured Nigerians of “robust legislative engagements” that would strengthen democratic governance and deepen collaboration with the executive and judiciary.
“Nigerians should expect more dividends of democracy. Our participation in the International Parliamentary Union was not cosmetic; it was to ensure that the legislature remains responsive, effective, and beneficial to our people,” he said.
The Senate President’s return and his public appearance are expected to put to rest the rumours regarding his health.