Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State had a heated exchange during the funeral service of Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son, who were former Chief Executive Officers of Access Holdings.
During his speech at the funeral service, Governor Fubara questioned the importance of political power struggles and urged politicians to think about their impact on society.
Fubara said: “This one has to do with our political class, what is all this trouble all about.
“You want to kill, You want to bury, what is it all about.”
In response, Akpabio challenged Governor Fubara, suggesting that if political struggles were insignificant, the governor should consider stepping down from his position.
Akpabio shared a personal story about his own political aspirations and emphasized the need for politicians to reflect on the true meaning of their actions.
Akpabio went on to reply to the governor thus: “What is the struggle all about? I will answer you.
“The struggle, we are not talking politics. In 2006 I wanted to be a Deputy Governor, so the then deputy Governor invited me and told me that this office has no money, there is nothing in it. I don’t know why you still insist on moving me from here and take over.
“So the woman who went with me, said ‘your excellency, then don’t wait for impeachment, just resign since there’s nothing in it’.
“And he stood up and started punching the woman, and I told him, your excellency, don’t punch her, she’s telling the truth. There’s nothing in the office that’s why I want it, because you’re too big for it.
“So your excellency Governor Fubara, if there’s nothing in the struggle, don’t struggle.
The confrontation between the Senate President and the Governor highlighted the ongoing discussion about the reasons behind political pursuits and the responsibilities that come with holding public office.
