Dele Momodu Accuses Akpabio OF Fear, Says National Assembly Will Back Tinubu’s Third Term IF Proposed

Speaking during an interview on Channels TV on Monday, Momodu noted that although he was never particularly close to Akpabio, he admired his achievements as Governor for the people of Akwa Ibom. However, he pointed out that the current Senate President seems to be driven by fear.

Momodu argued that the present lawmakers, under Akpabio’s leadership, resemble a rubber-stamp National Assembly. He claimed that if President Bola Tinubu were to propose a third term, the federal lawmakers would likely approve it without hesitation.

The veteran journalist speculated that Akpabio might be fearful of the presidency, emphasizing the immense power associated with the Nigerian presidency.

Reflecting on Akpabio’s past, Momodu said, “The good side of Akpabio was that he delivered as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. I don’t know what changed afterward. Today, people describe him as leading a rubber-stamp Senate, possibly due to fear of the presidency.

“The Nigerian presidency is one of the most powerful in the world—almost on par with that of Donald Trump. A former Minister, Chief Alex Akinyele, once told me during Babangida’s regime that a Nigerian president could metaphorically turn a man into a woman and vice versa.

“What I see in Akpabio today is a man driven by fear—someone willing to do anything. If Tinubu announced tomorrow that he wanted a third term, I can bet the lawmakers would vote in favor of it within five minutes. As Governor, he had executive powers and was able to do more for his state, which was why I admired him at that time.”