Akpabio: I made Udom governor of Akwa Ibom — but he did nothing in my district

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says he made Emmanuel Udom governor of Akwa Ibom state.

He however alleged that his successor did not implement any project in his north-west senatorial district.

Udom was governor of Akwa Ibom from 2015 to 2023. He succeeded Akpabio who governed the south-south state from 2007 to 2015.

Akpabio made the remark on the floor of the senate on Thursday during a back and forth with Akpan Sampson, senator representing Akwa Ibom south.

Sampson was contributing to a house of representatives bill sent to the senate for concurrence.

The bill seeks to establish a federal medical centre (FMC) in every state of the federation.

Sampson complained that his senatorial district was not captured in the bill, and suggested that the legislation be stepped down so that all districts would make the cut.

Akpabio retorted by saying Sampson should instead sponsor a bill to establish an FMC in his senatorial district.

“I gave you a governor for eight years that did not do anything in my senatorial district. I am not criticising the governor — he did nothing in my senatorial district,” the senate president said.

“So if God gives you an opportunity to be in the senate, sponsor a bill to establish a medical centre in Eket, and also add Ikot Ekpene.

“If you do not sponsor it, it cannot come to this stage.”

Consideration of the bill was later suspended after the “nays” had the majority of the votes.