Akpabio at 63: Senate President shuns elaborate birthday celebration “because of the mood of the nation”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday marked his 63rd birthday in a low-key manner, saying the state of the nation made an elaborate celebration inappropriate.
Unlike previous years, the occasion featured no major festivities. The only formal gesture was the presentation of a birthday cake by staff and aides in the Office of the Senate President shortly after plenary, with a number of Senators present.
Speaking after cutting the cake, Akpabio said he chose restraint out of respect for Nigerians who are grappling with distressing national challenges, particularly the continued captivity of some abducted children.
“For some of our children to still remain in captivity, as parents, our hearts are wounded,” he said. “On the one hand we continue to do our business. On the other hand, we go home to pray that soon, God will enable our security chiefs to recover all the children in captivity. And for those that lost their lives in the course of trying to protect those children from being abducted, we say may their souls rest in perfect peace.”
The brief ceremony became an opportunity for his colleagues to pay tribute to his leadership and personal character.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described Akpabio as “a wonderful man” who brings joy to others.
“The Senate President is a special person… even if you are sad, he will make you laugh,” Barau said. He urged continuous prayers for Akpabio’s health and longevity.
Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele praised what he called Akpabio’s “high cerebral capacity,” noting that even critics acknowledge his competence.
“We celebrate your leadership… your touching candour,” Bamidele said. “On a day like this, all we can say is that we love you and will continue to pray for you because to pray for you is to pray for Nigeria.”
Former Bayelsa State Governor and chair of the South-South Senate Caucus, Senator Seriake Dickson, who proposed the toast, described Akpabio as “uncommon,” recalling his legacy as governor of Akwa Ibom.
“As parliamentarians, we agree and disagree, but always in the national interest,” Dickson said. “We are gathered to celebrate our wonderful friend and colleague and our ebullient Senate President.”
In a vote of thanks, Senator Abdul Ningi commended Akpabio for his inclusive leadership and his non-discriminatory approach to politics within the Senate.
“You have shown us comradeship and brotherhood,” Ningi said. “At no time have you discriminated against us because we occupy another party platform.”
Akpabio’s subdued birthday observance and the tributes from colleagues underscored both the somber national atmosphere and the Senate President’s influence within the upper chamber.
