Controversy rocks Akpabio’s inner circle as aide resigns, cites humiliation, irregularities

A former member of the House of Representatives, Patty Etete, has resigned as Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, citing what he described as sustained hostility, alleged physical assaults and administrative irregularities within the Senate President’s office.

In a resignation letter dated February 27 and addressed to Akpabio, Etete said his decision was “long overdue” and followed years of “humiliation, discrimination and denial of access” to the Senate President.

Etete, who represented Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency between 2007 and 2011, stated that he initially accepted what he termed a “downgraded designation” in good faith.

He claimed that although his appointment was publicly announced as Special Assistant, he was later designated Senior Legislative Aide, a move he described as demeaning.

He further alleged that he worked in a hostile environment, was denied certain privileges, and was “severally assaulted physically by fellow aides,” incidents he said occurred with the knowledge of the Senate President.

The former lawmaker also raised concerns about a symposium on the creative economy which he coordinated in support of Akpabio’s legislative agenda.

According to him, the event drew participants from within and outside Nigeria, many of whom reportedly funded their own travel and accommodation with expectations of reimbursement.

Etete alleged that more than six months after the symposium, the interim report had not received legislative attention, and outstanding bills from service providers remained unpaid.

He urged the Senate President to approve payment of attached expenses to preserve the reputation of the office and honour what he described as the patriotic contributions of participants.

Beyond administrative grievances, Etete claimed he mobilised over 240 support groups in Akwa Ibom State for Akpabio’s ambition and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but lamented that promises to engage and appreciate the groups were not fulfilled.

In his letter, he referenced a vow allegedly made with political associates before a statue of Mary at Akpabio’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja.

He said the pledge was that none of those present would betray one another in pursuit of the Senate presidency.

When contacted for clarification, Etete maintained that the event took place in what he described as a chapel at the Senate President’s home and not a shrine.

Senate President’s Office Reacts

Reacting to the development, Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, said he was unaware of Etete’s resignation.

Eyiboh described Etete as a former colleague in the House of Representatives and stated that they had shared mutual trust and respect while working in the Senate President’s office.

He added that the office operates in compliance with public service rules and constitutional guarantees, and that staff members enjoy a structured and coordinated work environment.

The contrasting accounts have added a new layer of political intrigue to the inner workings of the Senate President’s office, as observers await further clarification on the allegations raised.

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