The Nigerian Senate has unequivocally refuted widely circulated online claims suggesting a familial connection between the newly appointed Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Usoro Akpabio, and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The rumors, which rapidly gained traction on social media platforms, posited that Usoro Akpabio is the Senate President’s first daughter. This assertion has been categorically debunked by the Senate’s official spokesperson, emphasizing that the shared surname and state of origin are mere coincidences and do not signify any blood relation.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, addressed the speculation in a recent interview, dismissing the claims as entirely unfounded and devoid of any factual basis. He clarified that while individuals may share surnames, especially within the same geographical region or cultural group, it does not automatically imply a familial connection. He drew an analogy to his own surname, Adaramodu, explaining that the presence of other individuals bearing the same name in Osun or Ondo states doesn’t automatically make them his relatives. He stressed the importance of verifying information before disseminating it, especially in the digital age where misinformation can spread rapidly.
The appointment of Usoro Akpabio as the SSDC’s Managing Director, alongside Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the Commission’s Chairman, was announced by President Bola Tinubu through a letter read during a plenary session presided over by Senator Godswill Akpabio. The letter also included the nomination of 16 other individuals to serve as board members of the Commission, which will be headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The President’s nominations, which are subject to Senate confirmation, underscore the importance of the SSDC in driving development and addressing critical needs in the South-South region of Nigeria.
Senator Adaramodu emphasized that Usoro Akpabio’s appointment was based solely on her merit and qualifications, highlighting the President’s commitment to selecting competent individuals for key positions. He further explained that the appointment process was transparent and followed established procedures, with no undue influence or favoritism involved. He reiterated that while there is no inherent prohibition against appointing qualified family members of public officials, in this specific instance, there is no familial relationship between the Senate President and the newly appointed SSDC Managing Director.
The Senate’s clarification serves to quell misinformation and ensure accurate reporting on public appointments. It underscores the importance of differentiating between coincidence and factual relationships, particularly when dealing with public figures. The focus, according to Senator Adaramodu, should be on the qualifications and competence of the appointees rather than speculative narratives that distract from the substantive issues of governance and development.
This incident highlights the challenges posed by the rapid dissemination of information in the digital age, where unverified claims can quickly gain traction and potentially tarnish reputations. It underscores the need for responsible information sharing and critical evaluation of online content. The Senate’s proactive clarification serves as a reminder of the importance of due diligence in verifying information before sharing it, particularly when it concerns public figures and matters of national importance.
