VIDEO: ‘Social media has rubbished my name,’ says Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has claimed that social media has rubbished his name, describing the rescue of three Akwa Ibom children kidnapped and moved to Ghana by suspected human traffickers as a testament that his name is still useful. 

Tribune Online gathered that three children from Akwa Ibom State were kidnapped and moved through multiple locations—including Aba, Katsina, and Lagos—by suspected traffickers attempting to sell them before arranging to transfer them to Ghana. 

According to reports, the eldest child warned prospective buyers that the Senate President was looking for them. 

Akpabio, while reacting to the development during Senate plenary on Tuesday, pledged to sponsor the education of a rescued eldest child up to university level, saying his name had helped despite the negative perception of him on social media.

“Social media has so rubbished my name that I did not know my name could even recover children. So, for once, my name is useful. I want to see that child.

“I promise myself that when I see the child, I will give that child a scholarship to university level. Yes, just to inform you that sometimes, despite what they say about you, all of you on social media, your name can still move mountains,” he said.

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Akpabio congratulated the Inspector-General of Police and the Akwa Ibom command involved, expressing hope that other commands would learn from their efforts.

“I want to congratulate the Inspector General of Police and the Akwa Ibom Police Command, and hope that others will take a cue from them.

“Let’s look at the recommendations in the committee’s report.”

Continuing, Akapbio also highlighted recommendations contained in a committee’s report, including calls for stronger enforcement of existing anti-trafficking laws and improved rehabilitation frameworks for returning victims.

“Recommendation 1: That existing anti-trafficking laws be strengthened through more effective enforcement mechanisms and enhanced rehabilitation frameworks for returning victims. This should include a comprehensive review of existing laws such as the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Enforcement and Administration Act 2015, the Child Rights Act 2003, and other related legislation addressing human trafficking and allied offences,” he added.