In a gesture of humility, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has offered apologies to state governors for his recent comment regarding the alleged disbursement of N30 billion hardship allowance to them from the federation account. Akpabio’s statement came during a plenary session last Tuesday while discussing unverified reports about financial interventions provided to states to mitigate inflation and high food prices.
Akpabio’s initial remarks sparked denials from governors, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Akwa Ibom State government, who refuted receiving such funds from the Federal Government. In response to the backlash, Akpabio expressed regret for relying on unverified information and extended his apologies to the governors.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, titled “N30bn to State Governors from Unverified Report: I Hold Governors in High Esteem – Akpabio,” the Senate President clarified his intentions. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between state and federal governments to address economic challenges and urged stakeholders not to be distracted by misconceptions surrounding his earlier remarks.
Akpabio underscored the vital role of state governments as partners in national development and highlighted his commitment to fostering unity and cooperation among all stakeholders. He encouraged governors to continue their efforts in mitigating the adverse effects of the current economic environment, reaffirming his support for collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of citizens.
The apology from the Senate President reflects a willingness to acknowledge mistakes and maintain constructive relationships with state governments, underscoring the importance of effective communication and cooperation in addressing national challenges.