Senate President Godswill Akpabio has shared further details about the aftermath of his 61st birthday colloquium, acknowledging that he was exhausted.
Held in Abuja, reports suggested he slumped during the event.
Clarifying the situation, Akpabio, the former governor of Akwa Ibom, explained to journalists in his Abuja office that the combination of battling malaria and the stress of the celebration took a toll on him.
He sought medical advice after the event and was diagnosed with malaria, compounded by stress or, as he described it, exhaustion.
“What eventually happened after the event was a show of humanity. I went home and I called my doctors and I was assured that I had malaria, mingled with stress, which could also be described in another way as exhaustion,” he said.
‘Exhaustion Can Affect Anyone,’ Says Akpabio
Acknowledging the events that unfolded after his colloquium, Akpabio characterized the response as a display of humanity.
“After returning home, I contacted my doctors who confirmed that I had malaria compounded with stress, described as exhaustion. In reality, anyone can experience exhaustion. Please, remember to stay hydrated daily to prevent exhaustion,” the lawmaker advised the audience.
He reassured Nigerians that the National Assembly is fully operational and continuing with its duties, including appropriation. Senator Akpabio announced the resumption of plenary on December 20, emphasizing the need for committees to complete their work to meet the year-end budget deadline.
The event on Thursday hosted prominent government figures, including President Bola Tinubu, who praised Akpabio’s qualities and expressed collaboration with the National Assembly for national improvement.
Ada Peter
