Ben Murray-Bruce Defends Senate President Akpabio Against Atiku's Corruption Claims

Scope 31 Mar 2025

Former Senator Murray-Bruce Takes a Stand Against Atiku's Accusations

Former Senator representing Bayelsa East in the 8th Senate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ben Murray-Bruce, has strongly refuted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's allegations that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is corrupt. This is a big moment, folks, as the political scene in Nigeria continues to heat up. Let me break it down for you.

Naija News reported that Atiku made these claims during an interview with journalist Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie on Untold Stories. Atiku accused Akpabio of being corrupt since his days as the governor of Akwa Ibom State. The former Vice President made these comments in response to the National Assembly’s ratification of President Bola Tinubu’s State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State.

Atiku stated, “I was not surprised because I know that the leadership is corrupt, and I have no apologies for that. They could do anything. The Senate President is actually known for having that type of character, even when he was a governor.”

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Ben Murray-Bruce Fires Back on Social Media

In response to Atiku's accusations, Murray-Bruce took to Facebook to defend Akpabio. He emphasized that Akpabio, who has also served as the Niger Delta Minister, is a man of impeccable integrity. Murray-Bruce believes that both the South-South region and the entire nation of Nigeria are incredibly fortunate to have Akpabio leading the National Assembly during such a pivotal time in the country’s development.

He wrote, “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.”

Let’s dive deeper into Murray-Bruce’s defense. He pointed out that despite numerous investigations by independent agencies—both from allies and adversaries—Akpabio has consistently emerged with a clean record. Murray-Bruce further highlighted that Nigeria requires stability and capable leadership, urging everyone to proceed with caution during this critical period in the nation's history.

Protecting the Integrity of Nigerian Institutions

Murray-Bruce stressed the importance of respecting and safeguarding institutions like the Legislature, free from partisan politics. He expressed his unwillingness to remain silent while certain individuals attempt to undermine an institution he was once proud to be a part of, both domestically and internationally.

Here’s what he had to say: “I am a Nigerian, who is proud of Nigeria, and will give my all to protect and project my country to the world. I give him my right hand of fellowship and stand firmly with him. Innuendo, hearsay, and dog whistles will always come. But they can never be so powerful that they will take preeminence over facts.”

It’s clear that Murray-Bruce is passionate about defending the integrity of Nigeria’s political institutions and standing by individuals he believes are truly committed to the nation's progress. This back-and-forth between political heavyweights is certainly keeping things interesting in Nigerian politics.