Amb. Solomon Adodo, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and Board Member of the North Central Development Commission (NCNC), has defended the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President, rejecting calls for his resignation and labeling those behind such calls as political opponents of the Tinubu administration.

Adodo shared his views during a live appearance on Democracy Radio, where he discussed national issues and the way forward for Nigeria’s political landscape.

According to Adodo, the harmonious relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, especially the Senate, is being mischaracterized by certain critics as a “rubber stamp” legislature. He explained that these critics, whom he referred to as “crisis entrepreneurs,” are uncomfortable with the lack of acrimony and strife between the different branches of government. However, Adodo emphasized that for Nigeria to progress, synergy between the arms of government is essential.

“As a seasoned administrator, Senator Akpabio has demonstrated leadership and championed good governance throughout his national assignments. As Governor of Akwa Ibom State, he led the uncommon transformation of the state, particularly in infrastructure and human capital development,” Adodo said.

He further highlighted Akpabio’s tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, where he oversaw the first forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which led to the recovery of significant sums of money and the return of contractors to project sites. “Akpabio’s leadership is indeed a model for good governance, and even his critics cannot deny that,” Adodo added.

Adodo pointed out that despite Akpabio’s achievements, there has been persistent opposition from those who were uncomfortable with his strong rapport with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He criticized the way Akpabio’s words and actions were twisted by political detractors, especially those attempting to use propaganda to tarnish his reputation.

He specifically referenced the accusation that Akpabio benefited from electoral fraud by Professor Peter Ogban, noting that Akpabio was actually a victim in the case.

Adodo also addressed the recent allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, dismissing them as baseless attempts to smear the Senate President’s reputation. He accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of making unfounded allegations in the past, calling her accusations a form of blackmail.

“It is clear that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is desperately trying to manipulate public sentiment with sensational claims, from the sexual harassment allegations to the claim of organ harvesting. Her actions are designed to mislead the public, but the truth is evident,” Adodo said.

He also reminded the public of accusations of blackmail against Akpoti-Uduaghan by Reno Omokri, which she has not denied. Adodo urged Nigerians to disregard these distractions and support the positive collaboration between the Senate and President Tinubu’s administration.

“The Nigerian Senate is working harmoniously with the Executive to achieve the Renewed Hope agenda. Nigerians should focus on supporting this great team, rather than falling for the efforts of opposition elements to destabilize the administration,” Adodo concluded.