Akpabio’s aide resigns, alleges assault
Naija News • 2h ago
**A Senate President's Office in Chaos: Akpabio's Aide Resigns in Protest**
In the high-stakes world of Nigerian politics, loyalty and betrayal often walk hand in hand. A shocking revelation has emerged from the Senate President's office, where Godswill Akpabio's former senior legislative aide, Patty Etete, has resigned in dramatic fashion. Mr Etete, a seasoned politician who once represented the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, cited years of alleged humiliation, physical assaults, and administrative irregularities as the reasons for his departure.
The saga unfolded when Mr Etete, who had once been handpicked by Senator Akpabio to be part of his "first eleven" appointees, felt demeaned by his downgraded designation. According to him, he was initially announced as a special assistant but was later made to serve as a senior legislative aide, a demotion he felt was a slap in the face.
Mr Etete alleged that while working with Senator Akpabio, he operated in a hostile environment, denied privileges, and was physically assaulted by fellow aides. Some of these incidents, he claimed, occurred with the Senate President's knowledge. The atmosphere, he described, was one of sustained hostility, leaving him no choice but to resign.
The former lawmaker also raised concerns over a symposium on the creative economy that he had coordinated to support Senator Akpabio's legislative agenda. Despite attracting participants from Nigeria and abroad, including resource persons who funded their own travel and accommodation, the outstanding bills submitted by service providers remained unpaid. Mr Etete pleaded with Senator Akpabio to settle the debts, arguing that it would preserve the reputation of the Senate President's office and honor the contributions of those who supported the event.
Furthermore, Mr Etete claimed that he had mobilized over 240 support groups in Akwa Ibom State for Senator Akpabio's and President Bola Tinubu's ambitions, but promises made to engage and appreciate the groups were not fulfilled. He even referenced a vow allegedly made with some political associates before a statue of Mary, a vow that now seems to have been broken.
As the controversy unfolds, one thing is clear: the Senate President's office is in chaos. Senator Akpabio's response to Mr Etete's resignation will be closely watched, and it remains to be seen how this will affect