Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made waves by declaring himself the highest-ranking Christian in the Nigerian government, a bold proclamation that has set social media ablaze. At the grand opening of the Regina Coeli Parish Rectory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio attributed his meteoric rise in politics to what he calls “the special grace of God.”
His statement, delivered in front of an audience of influential clerics and political figures, has sparked a flurry of opinions, with many questioning the sincerity of his claims. Akpabio encouraged Nigerians to remain devoted to their faith, urging them to focus on divine service, irrespective of their circumstances. This gem of advice was later disseminated through his media assistant, Jackson Udom.
Reflecting on his own transformation from obscurity to his current high-profile role, Akpabio touted his journey as a miraculous example of divine favor. He announced, “As the most ranked Christian in government, God has specially and graciously transformed and prepared me for the task ahead.” He went on to brag about his Catholic faith, suggesting that many churchgoers are completely unaware of the church’s true power.
In a rather performative twist, he encouraged everyday Nigerians to align themselves for God's blessings, insinuating that anyone can achieve greatness,just like him,if they are “prepared” for it. “If God can raise me from a nobody to be the President of the Senate and by extension, the number three citizen of this great country, He can do it for us all,” he proclaimed, as if his elevation was the ultimate proof of faith.
Akpabio didn’t stop there; he stressed the importance of contributing to church projects, claiming that even the smallest donation could yield immense spiritual benefits. “Anytime you contribute as little as 10 kobo to a church building project and it is completed, know that God has accepted your contributions,” he declared, positioning himself as a champion for church development. “I am always excited to be part of the development of the church because nothing is too big for our God,” he added, further appealing to the faithful.
In a bid to solidify his influence, Akpabio also announced plans for a new worship center within the National Assembly complex in Abuja, inviting Nigerians from all walks of life to join in the commissioning. In a country rife with political challenges, this move seems calculated to bolster his image as a leader who prioritizes faith.
The ceremony in Uyo featured accolades from the Catholic Bishop of Uyo, Most Rev. John Ayah, who praised Akpabio and his wife for their steadfast support of the church. The Bishop urged Akpabio to ignore critics, asserting, “You are important, and that is why they talk about you.” Such endorsements only fuel the narrative of Akpabio as a pivotal figure in both faith and politics.
However, his declarations come amidst rising tensions regarding unity within the Senate. Recently, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele had to quash rumors of an impeachment plot against Akpabio, labeling them as “unfounded.” This response follows revelations of past attempts to unseat him, efforts that were reportedly blocked by influential senators seeking to maintain stability. Bamidele's reiteration that there are no current plans to remove Akpabio serves to reinforce the Senate President’s shaky hold on power.
