Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared himself the most senior Christian holding office in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, attributing his elevation to Nigeria’s number three position to “the special grace of God.” Speaking on Saturday during the blessing and official opening of the Regina Coeli Parish Rectory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio urged Nigerians to remain committed to serving God irrespective of their status in life, assuring that divine favour awaits those who position themselves rightly.
The event, attended by top Catholic clerics and political leaders, provided the platform for Akpabio’s testimony on his political journey “from obscurity” to prominence. “As the most ranked Christian in government, God has specially and graciously transformed and prepared me for the task ahead. I belong to all denominations, but I am lucky and happy to be a Catholic,” he stated. He emphasised the power of the church, adding, “Most people are in the church without knowing the power of the church… If God can raise me from a nobody to be the President of the Senate and by extension, the number three citizen of this great country, He can do it for us all, just position and prepare yourself for His blessings.”
Akpabio, a Catholic, encouraged contributions to church projects no matter how small, declaring, “Anytime you contribute as little as 10 kobo to the construction of a church building project and it is completed and put to use, know that God has accepted your contributions.” He expressed personal excitement in supporting church development, saying, “I am always excited to be part of the development of the church because nothing is too big for our God.”
The Senate President further announced plans to commission a new worship centre within the National Assembly complex in Abuja in the coming weeks. “In the next few weeks, I will happily invite Nigerians from all walks of life to join us in commissioning a befitting place of worship for our God,” he revealed.
The Catholic Bishop of Uyo, Most Rev. John Ayah, who officiated at the event, commended Akpabio and his wife, Dr. Unoma Akpabio, for their steadfast support to the church, including hosting Catholic bishops nationwide in Ikot Ekpene last September. Bishop Ayah urged the Senate President to disregard his critics, stating, “You are important and that is why they talk about you. It is expected because of your position in today’s Nigeria.”
Akpabio’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about religious representation in Tinubu’s government and recent reports of internal Senate tensions. Just two weeks prior, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele dismissed rumours of impeachment plots against Akpabio as “unfounded” and capable of sowing discord. Bamidele’s statement followed comments by former Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu, who acknowledged past but failed attempts by some senators to oust Akpabio, which were thwarted by interventions from key colleagues to preserve stability in the upper chamber.
