Revisiting The Clash: Murray-Bruce Calls Out Akpabio’s Autocratic Style

However, it is noteworthy that on August 7th, 2018, Murray-Bruce publicly criticized Akpabio for what he described as undemocratic actions.

In 2015, Senator Akpabio was elected to represent Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, while Senator Murray-Bruce was elected to represent Bayelsa East Senatorial District.

On his handle, on August 7th, 2018, Murray-Bruce tweeted that Akpabio would be “grounded in Nigeria” due to his alleged undemocratic behavior, sarcastically suggesting the purchase of a “big donkey” for him.

He wrote, “Senator Abiodun Olujimi is making a nationwide call to anyone who has a big donkey we can buy for Senator Akpabio. Akpabio will soon have to sell his jet as his undemocratic actions of today will keep him grounded in Nigeria for a very long time. #SaveOurDemocracy.”

The remark came after Akpabio’s Senate faced criticism for approving President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Additionally, Senate President Akpabio was accused of sexual harassment by Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, an allegation which Akpabio denied.

In defense of Akpabio, Murray-Bruce stated, “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.”

He also emphasized that Akpabio had been thoroughly investigated on corruption allegations and cleared, describing him as “clean as a whistle.” Murray-Bruce called for caution, stressing that the stability of the legislature should not be compromised for partisan reasons.

He concluded, “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.”