The chairman of the Silverbird Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, has responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s assertion that Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, is a corrupt politician.
In a recent interview with journalist Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, Atiku claimed that he had received reports of Akpabio’s corruption during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday evening, Senator Murray-Bruce defended Akpabio, describing him as a man of integrity. He further stated that anti-corruption agencies had investigated Akpabio and found no evidence of wrongdoing.
He said, “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 behooves 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.”
The chairman of Silverbird Group declared his solidarity with Akpabio, saying he will give him all to protect Nigeria and won’t allow anyone to disparage the Nigerian Senate he was once a member of.
Murray-Bruce said, “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.”