Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Saturday described himself as the highest-ranked Christian in the Nigerian government, attributing his rise in politics to “the special grace of God.”
Speaking during the blessing and official opening of the Regina Coeli Parish Rectory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio urged Nigerians to remain committed to serving God regardless of their status. His comments were shared in a statement released in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom.
Akpabio said his journey from obscurity to becoming the nation’s number-three citizen was evidence of divine favour.
“As the most ranked Christian in government, God has specially transformed and prepared me for the task ahead. I belong to all denominations, but I am happy to be a Catholic. Many people attend church without understanding its power,” he said.
He encouraged Nigerians to contribute to the work of the church, noting that even the smallest donation carries spiritual significance.
“Anytime you contribute as little as 10 kobo to a church building and it becomes a place of worship, know that God has accepted your contribution,” he added.
Akpabio also announced plans to unveil a new worship centre within the National Assembly complex in Abuja, inviting Nigerians to its commissioning in the coming weeks.
At the ceremony in Uyo, the Catholic Bishop of Uyo, Most Rev. John Ayah, commended Akpabio and his wife, Dr. Unoma Akpabio, for their consistent support to the church, including hosting Catholic bishops nationwide in Ikot Ekpene last September. He urged the Senate President to ignore criticism.
“You are important, and that is why they talk about you,” the Bishop told him.
Akpabio’s remarks come amid renewed chatter about unity in the Senate. Two weeks earlier, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele dismissed reports of an attempt to impeach the Senate President, describing the allegations as unfounded and capable of creating unnecessary tension.
His comments followed earlier disclosures by former Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu that past efforts to unseat Akpabio had failed after senior lawmakers intervened.
During plenary, however, Bamidele insisted that no such plan, past or present existed, urging lawmakers to prioritise stability in the upper chamber.
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