By Seyi Babalola
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, chairman of the Silverbird Group, has reacted to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s criticism of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a recent interview with writer Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, Atiku accused Akpabio of corruption during his stint as governor and referred to him as a “serial abuser of women.”
Senator Murray-Bruce issued a statement on Wednesday evening dismissing Atiku’s charges and defending Akpabio’s integrity.
“I know Senator Godswill Akpabio personally and intimately. He is a man of unimpeachable good character, and both the South-South and Nigeria are fortunate to have him at the helm of affairs at the National Assembly at this delicate stage in our national growth,” the statement read.
Addressing the corruption accusations, Murray-Bruce asserted that Akpabio had undergone thorough investigations by independent agencies and emerged untainted.
“On the issue of corruption, here we have a man who has been investigated in and out by independent investigative agencies and friends and foes alike, yet he has come out clean as a whistle,” he noted.
The former senator emphasized the importance of national stability and warned against undermining key institutions for political reasons.
“Nigeria needs stability and men of ability, and it behoves us as a nation to tread with caution at this critical time of our national life. Institutions such as the Legislature should not be trifled with because of partisan considerations,” he said.
Murray-Bruce vowed steadfast support for Akpabio and warned against attempts to undermine him or the National Assembly.
“I will not stand idly by while some persons try, both home and abroad, to destroy an institution I was once proudly a part of,” he added.
“Innuendo, hearsay, and dog whistles will always come. But they can never be so powerful that they will take preeminence over facts.”