By Ken Harries, Esq

Peace is the foundation of every prosperous society and few Nigerian leaders have pursued it with the consistency and conviction of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, President of the Tenth Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. From his earliest days in public service to his current national role, Akpabio has remained a firm believer in unity, dialogue and peaceful coexistence as the bedrock of progress.

His peace journey began in 2002 when Obong Victor Attah appointed him Commissioner in his administration. Even at that level, Akpabio stood out for his calm disposition, open door policy and passion for reconciliation. He reached across divides, built friendships that cut across ethnicity, religion and politics. Those who worked closely with him remember his favourite saying: “Akwa Ibom is one family.” That simple phrase would later become the defining philosophy of his leadership.

When Akpabio became Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2007, he met a people divided by politics and ethnic bigotries. Rather than deepen the fault lines, he chose to heal them. One of his earliest gestures was reconciliation with those who had opposed him during the elections. He personally reached out to them, offered partnership and inclusion in his vision for a greater Akwa Ibom. This magnanimity surprised many and set a new tone of political tolerance in the state.

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During his administration, Akpabio demonstrated that peace could not thrive without justice, fairness and opportunity. When violent cult clashes erupted in Uyo, Eket and Ikot Ekpene between 2008 and 2009, he responded not just with security action but also with empathy. He introduced a rehabilitation and reorientation programme for repentant youths and provided them with education, vocational training and employment. Many of those who embraced the programme later became responsible members of society which was a testament to his conviction that reconciliation and empowerment are stronger than retribution.

Akpabio also understood that development itself is a powerful instrument of peace. Under his Uncommon Transformation Agenda, he deliberately spread projects across all parts of the state so that no community felt neglected. Roads, bridges, hospitals, schools and industries were established from Oro Nation to Ini and from Ikot Ekpene to Eket. The message was clear that Akwa Ibom belongs to everyone and progress must be shared by all.

In 2011, when ethnic sentiments again threatened the stability of the state, Akpabio convened a Grand Unity Meeting in Uyo. The gathering brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, youths and women from every Senatorial District to reaffirm their commitment to unity. In his address that day, he reminded the people that no development could thrive in an atmosphere of bitterness. His words, firm yet conciliatory, calmed tensions and restored a sense of common purpose.

Years after leaving office, Akpabio has continued to champion peace and harmony in Akwa Ibom State. As political tensions and rivalry began to re-emerge in recent times, he once again rose to the occasion to demonstrate that true leadership does not retire. In continuation of his peace mission, the Senate President recently visited the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, where he delivered a powerful message that resonated across the state.

Akpabio reminded the royal fathers that the most costly peace is still better than the cheapest war. He called on all traditional rulers and leaders of thought to join hands in pushing the message of peace to every nook and cranny of Akwa Ibom. His message that peace is a collective responsibility and its preservation must be the concern of every citizen, was simple, yet profound.

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The lesson from this visit is clear. Leaders at all levels — be it political, traditional, religious and community — should emulate the example of Senator Akpabio. They must make peace the focus of their leadership because when peace reigns in our communities, it becomes easier to achieve stability and progress in the nation. The elusive dream of national peace can only be realised when leaders across the country choose dialogue over division and reconciliation over rivalry.

Today, as President of the Tenth Senate, Akpabio has continued to exemplify diplomacy and maturity in his dealings. He engages colleagues across party lines with respect and understanding by always seeking common ground for the collective good. His leadership style reflects his long held belief that peace is not a strategy but a duty.

Through his actions, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio has shown that true greatness is not measured by power or wealth but by the ability to unite people and inspire harmony. From his early days as Commissioner to his years as Governor and now as Senate President, his life has remained a testimony to the power of peace.

Wherever he stands, peace follows. And as Akwa Ibom continues to grow and Nigeria strives for unity, Akpabio’s message that the most costly peace is still better than the cheapest war remains timeless.

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■ Ken Harries Esq is a lawyer and an Abuja- based Development Communication Specialist.

Chief (Sir) Nse Ntuen, an Akwa Ibom elder and former member, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and has known Senator Godswill Akpabio for over 50 years, has strongly condemned and unequivocally dismissed the recent wave of unfounded allegations and tirade of abuse directed at the President of the Senate.

In a detailed statement issued in Uyo, Chief Ntuen, the Honorary Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, described the claims circulated by Akpabio’s sister-in-law, Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio, as baseless, malicious, and inconsistent with both the character and public record of Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Ntuen, a former Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area — from which Akpabio hails — noted that, “the allegations, which have no basis in fact or common sense, are steeped in personal bitterness and deliberate mischief rather than in any verifiable fact or credible grievance.”

Ntuen stated that such behaviour demeans public discourse and disrespects the values of decency for which Akwa Ibom people are known.

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“We must never allow a culture of reckless falsehood to replace dialogue and truth. These claims are not merely offensive; they represent a conscious attempt to erode the dignity of honest leadership and to sow unnecessary discord among a people united by shared history and respect,” he said.

He aligned himself with the recent resolution of the Greater Akpabio Family, which unanimously expressed confidence in the Senate President and reaffirmed the family’s unbroken unity.

Ntuen added that the statement by the family, being the most authoritative voice on domestic matters of this nature, has settled the issue firmly and should be respected as such.

“These spurious attacks are not only affronts to Senator Akpabio’s person but also to the collective reputation of Essien Udim and, by extension, Akwa Ibom State,” Ntuen noted.

He said: “At a time when the Senate President is fully engaged with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in charting legislative frameworks for economic recovery and national renewal, it is disappointing that anyone would choose to distract public attention with malicious fiction and self aggrandisement

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“The public is therefore advised to disregard such falsehoods, which serve no purpose other than to inflame passions and divert focus from meaningful governance.”

Ntuen lauded Senator Akpabio’s dignified silence and self-restraint in the face of provocation, describing it as evidence of both personal strength and political maturity.

He observed that in an age where instant reaction often replaces reflection, the Senate President has shown that quiet focus remains the highest form of leadership.

“Leadership is not theatre; it is service. Senator Akpabio’s calm disposition and tireless work at the helm of the 10th Senate have continued to produce tangible results for Nigeria. His commitment to legislative efficiency and intergovernmental harmony demonstrates that the surest response to malice is progress,” he added.

Ntuen also noted that public office carries a sacred responsibility and that those who have been privileged to serve must guard the dignity of governance from reckless commentary.

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He urged all citizens, especially those in public life, to be mindful of their words and the example they set for younger generations.

“When we reduce serious national conversations to gossip and innuendo, we weaken the very fabric of democracy.

“What Nigeria needs today are builders and not destroyers; thinkers and not rumour peddlers. Senator Akpabio has chosen to be a builder, and history will vindicate that choice,” he said.

Ntuen, a former ALGON chairman in Akwa Ibom State appealed for restraint and unity among Akwa Ibom citizens, emphasising that personal grievances should never be allowed to cloud collective progress.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Umo Eno’s vision of peace and inclusive governance and his continued support for Senator Akpabio as a son of Akwa Ibom, who represents the state with distinction at the national level.

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“We stand with our leader, our brother, and our pride. Those who traffic in falsehood will find that truth is patient but enduring. The focus now must remain on the great task of nation-building, to which Senator Akpabio continues to dedicate himself with calmness, clarity, and conviction,” Chief Ntuen concluded.

By Sunny Igboanugo

Journey began on Sunday, May 4 from the Babatunde Fashola Train Station at Agege. For others it started from the Ebute Metta. It was my first train experience in Nigeria. The executive train arrived on the dot of 3pm. Boarding completed, the pleasure trip commenced.

In this particular train ride, you could decide to cross your legs and be sipping your usual coffee, tea or whisky – just like you were in your sitting room or some lounges elsewhere. You could decide to move around engage friends as if you were in the club or just look through the windows and watch the beauty of the landscape speed away in a cascading swing of colours, just like the kaleidoscope.

I did all these without noticing any form of anxiety, or some sudden thrumbling of the heart, the way you felt in the sky in those troubling moments that dot almost every minute in the air. You were also immune to the bumping, tossing, swerving and bouncing dances and other nightmarish tales whenever the tyres hit the tars on most of the Nigerian roads.

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No! Sleek, smooth, effortless, noiseless – pure pleasure – pure joy – an experience that attracts, just like the bee to the nectar. That was how good it felt.

I remember asking myself and aloud too, what if this went round the country? How much of the tears would it save? 80, 90, 95 per cent? Perhaps, perhaps not. But surely something close to it. Then why not? Is it that Kadiri the barber has lost his skills or his hair clippers have gone blunt?

Of course, the answer to this could not only be obvious, but stretch as much in length as the number of compatriots Nigeria has happened to. The hyperboles, expletives and other nuances of these parlous tales are enough for me to add to the list.

Besides, the essence here is not to descend into the sad reality of the Nigerian story, past and present, occasioned by the wickedness of leaders and enabled by supine and recumbent followers whose only thought is self and not the whole. That should be left for another day, lest the test-bud went sour once again and the ecstasy of the tale diminished.

That addendum was introduced, just to emphasise that Nigeria could actually breathe and taste the milk and honey abundant in the country if only those in charge were willing and ready to donate just a fraction to touch the perched lips of the millions out in the streets. Imagine what it means to ride on such executive trains from Lagos to Enugu or Port Harcourt to Abuja. Just imagine! There I digress again. But back to the subject matter – the journalist clinic.

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The feeling from the thrills of the train ride continued in Abeokuta, the city on the hill. The welcoming scenery and ambiance of the ancient town had its one part of the enchanting story. The serene feel in the Academy Suites – a modest but sparkling affair, with clean rooms and appreciable cousins to the courteous staff, provided the setting for the hosting of the 60 – plus new entrants that came to town.

The noiseless environment and clement weather delivered the atmosphere for the needed rest with the nights breaking into refreshing and welcoming mornings that gave each new day a fresh zest for business.

Business? Themed: MARKET SQUARED: Turning Connections into Gold in the AI Age, the two days of intensive engagement provided a forum for a blend of the old and new techniques in the process of learning, unlearning and re-learning the profession.

Taiwo Obe, Convener-in-Chief and Founder/Director of The Journalism Clinic, organisers of the event, welcomed participants with an inspiring story of his own personal journey that swung from the tortuous and intimidating challenges to the alluring feelings of success.

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Thereafter, he yielded the floor for the sponsors of the event, who were present to deliver their goodwill messages, among them the Chief executives of NLNG, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Lagos State Government, Ogun State Government, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as well as financial institutions like Fidelity Bank and Polaris Banks.

On hand too were media houses like The PUNCH, TheCable, Premium Times, The Nation, Business Day, Penpushing Media Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Innovation Media Consulting Group, Real Pharmaceuticals, Academy Suites among others.

Then the real business of the business. Dolapo Otegbayi, Principal Consultant at DKO Consultant, who captivated her audience in her delivery, themed: You & Your Market, led the flow with emphasis on the need for media organisations to understand their target audiences deeply as well the new impetus of the use of the AI to blend with relevant human insight and observation.

Rasheed Adebiyi, PhD, Director of the Centre for Innovation, Research and Technology at Fountain University, Osogbo, followed with his equally captivating delivery on how practitioners could capture their audience by moving beyond demographic data and delving into psychographic and behavioral data to understand audience preferences and consumption patterns.

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On her part, Helen Emore, PhD, Managing Director of Scientia Partners Innovation Hub, in a delivery laced with hilarious and rib-cracking jokes, while stressing the need for media organisations to curate their narratives effectively, urged participants to build communities, engage authentically, and recognise the shift in economic power towards consumers.

Dan Mason, Trainer/Comms Consultant at Dan Mason Media, offered practical tips for “Finding the Unicorn” – compelling content that resonates with online audiences, demonstrated how AI tools could be used to generate story ideas, optimise headlines, and enhance storytelling, while stressing the importance of understanding audience priorities and adapting content accordingly.

Richard O. Ikiebe, Media Scholar and Adjunct Faculty at Pan Atlantic University, on his part roused the house to a hot debate regarding the old and new practitioners, when he examined historical trends in Nigerian media, urging participants to learn from the past while recognising the unique challenges of the present.

The event also featured Owners’ Forum, with prominent media executives including Joseph Adeyeye of Punch Nigeria Limited, Frank Aigbogun of BusinessDay, Betty Dibiah Akeredolu-Ale of Branama Children’s Television, Mojeed Musikilu of Premium Times, and Toun O. Sonaiya of Women Radio 91.7 FM, sharing their experiences and insights on audience engagement, revenue generation, and digital transformation.

In the end, participants agreed on the need for:

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* Increased investment in audience research and data analytics.
* Development of innovative content formats and distribution strategies.
* Enhanced collaboration and partnerships within the media industry.
* A renewed focus on ethical journalism and combating misinformation.
* Empowering journalists with the skills and tools to effectively utilise AI.

But it was not only about the business. The second day was punctuated with birthday songs and sharing of cakes to celebrate Gracie, daughter of the Masons, who just turned nine, and whose face featured in her little corners while tagging along her parents all through the programme.

Of course, that journalists are reputed to working hard and playing hard, was evident when everyone turned up at the poolside on the eve of departure, May 6, to share a wonderful time of food and drinks under the cool, sonorous voices of a life band delivering old and new renditions of both Nigerian and foreign songs.

Why not? How else to mark the good news? Earlier in the day the meeting hall had erupted when colleagues heard that the name of Lanre Arogundade, the effervescent and indomitable activist, composite fire-eating Nigerian media warrior, and former Chairman of the Lagos Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), had been removed from the watchlist of the Department of State Services (DSS).

For 40 harrowing years, the former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and now Executive Director, International Press Centre (IPC), had borne the bitter imprimatur of that tag in his harassment at airports by security agents outside other forms of discomforts.

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Even with his resolve to fight on against the enemies of freedom, while expressing happiness at the development announced by Musikilu Mojeed, Edito-in-Chief of Premium Times and President of the International Press Institute (IPI), Arogundade’s special dig to the songs at the party, also underscored the raison d’etre for merriment.

The next morning of May 7, was marked by the visit to the Gateway International Cargo Airport, an ambitious edifice being built by the Ogun State Government, which authorities boast would host Nigeria’s best in the aviation industry, complete with smart – touch of the button facilities comparable anywhere in the world.

At the end of the guided tour where officials in charge of the tried to prove their words, it was back to the train station for yet another smooth, memorable ride to Lagos. Hours after that unforgettable event, the world itself rose on Thursday to the global cry – Habemus Papam – we have a Pope!

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