Ben Murray-Bruce Defends Akpabio Amid Corruption Claims by Atiku

• Atiku accused Akpabio of corruption during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State in an interview with Arise News.

• Atiku’s comment came in response to the National Assembly’s approval of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, which Atiku attributed to Akpabio’s leadership.

Former Bayelsa East Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has come to the defense of Senate President Godswill Akpabio following corruption accusations leveled by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a recent interview with Arise News, Atiku branded Akpabio as corrupt, referencing his time as the governor of Akwa Ibom State. His remarks were made in reaction to the National Assembly’s endorsement of a State of Emergency in Rivers State — a decision Atiku suggested was influenced by Akpabio’s leadership style.

Responding on Wednesday via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Murray-Bruce dismissed Atiku’s allegations, asserting that Akpabio had undergone thorough investigations and emerged without any wrongdoing.

He described the Senate President as a man of integrity and “unimpeachable character,” urging Nigerians not to allow speculation and political rhetoric to cloud objective facts.

Murray-Bruce also cautioned against undermining the credibility of the National Assembly for the sake of political agendas, calling for unity and stability in governance.

In a lengthy post, 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.

“On the issue of corruption, here we have a man who has been investigated in and out by independent investigative agencies and friends and foes alike, yet he has come out clean as a whistle. Nigeria needs stability and men of ability, and it behoves us as a nation to tread with caution at this critical time of our national life. Institutions such as the Legislature should not be trifled with because of partisan considerations.

“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. 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.”