Senate President Godswill Akpabio has challenged politicians who publicly condemn godfatherism but allegedly practice it behind the scenes, insisting that credibility in tackling the issue must be demonstrated through personal conduct.
Akpabio made the remarks on Saturday at the launch of The Burdens of Legislators in Nigeria, a book authored by former Senator Effiong Bob, held in Abuja. The event was chaired by a former Senate President, Senator David Mark.
Speaking during discussions on godfatherism, Akpabio drew attention to what he described as contradictions among some political figures who oppose the practice in principle while benefiting from it in reality.
He cited an example of a politician who spoke against godfatherism despite having a son serving in a state House of Assembly.
“And then of course, members of the House of Assembly also include the son of a distinguished senator. So when I heard that he was against godfatherism, I said, Okay,” Akpabio said.
He added that genuine opposition to godfatherism should be reflected in actions, not just words.
“Since you’re against godfatherism, maybe you’ll withdraw your son from the House of Assembly as a starting point of showing that you’re against godfatherism,” he stated.
According to the Senate President, it was inconsistent to denounce godfatherism while allegedly benefiting from it.
“You cannot be saying something on the left-hand side and practicing it on the right. Otherwise, that will amount to approbating and reprobating,” Akpabio said.
However, he acknowledged that the lawmaker referenced was performing creditably in the legislature.
“But let the boy remain. He’s even doing his second term in the House. He’s on his second term, and he’s one of the leaders of the House of Assembly in himself,” he added.
