Akpabio:I was invited as part of your ‘first eleven’ but later given a downgraded designation—Etete

According to a report by Premium Times, on Wednesday March 3, 2026, tensions have surfaced within the office of the President of the Senate following the resignation of a senior legislative aide, Patty Etete.

The resignation has attracted public attention because of allegations of a hostile working environment and unfulfilled commitments within the Senate president's office.

A spokesperson for the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, told journalists that he was not aware of Mr. Etete’s resignation.

Despite this, Mr Etete, a former lawmaker who represented the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, confirmed that he had stepped down from his role as Senior Legislative Aide.

In his resignation letter dated February 27, he cited persistent hostility, repeated humiliation, discrimination, and restricted access to the Senate president as key reasons for his decision.

He described the resignation as long overdue, reflecting years of challenges that made continued service untenable.

In the letter, Mr Etete highlighted issues with his designation and the way his role evolved within the office.

He Said, "You invited me to be part of your ‘first eleven’ of appointees, given my roles and contributions both at the senatorial election and the contest for the Senate presidency,” he wrote, adding that although his appointment was announced as a special assistant, he was later made to serve as a senior legislative aide, a situation he considered as being “demeaning”.

Beyond this, Mr Etete alleged that he worked in an environment fraught with hostility and tension.

He claimed he was denied certain privileges and reported being physically assaulted multiple times by colleagues, some of which occurred with the knowledge of the senate president.

The former lawmaker also raised concerns about a symposium he organized on the creative economy to support the Senate President’s legislative agenda.

According to Mr. Etete, the event attracted participants from Nigeria and abroad, including experts who reportedly covered their own travel, accommodation, and presentation costs with the understanding that they would later be reimbursed.

More than six months after the symposium, he said the interim report had not received attention from the Senate president for legislative follow-up, and outstanding bills submitted by service providers remained unpaid.

Mr Etete urged that the bills be settled, emphasising that doing so would protect the reputation of the Senate President’s office and honour the contributions of those he described as patriotic Nigerians.

In addition to the issues surrounding his appointment and work responsibilities, Mr Etete claimed that he mobilised over 240 support groups in Akwa Ibom State to back the political ambitions of both Mr Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu.

He expressed disappointment that assurances made to these groups regarding engagement and appreciation were not fulfilled, leaving him feeling betrayed.

He further recalled an incident involving a vow made before a statue of Mary at the Senate President’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja.

Mr. Akpabio, a practising Catholic, was reportedly present along with other political associates, including Rt. Hon. Ubong Etiebet and the current Minister for State, Gas.

Mr Etete explained that the vow was meant to ensure mutual loyalty, pledging that those present would not betray the Senate President and that he, in turn, would remain faithful to them.

When contacted for comment, Eseme Eyiboh, the special adviser on media and publicity to the Senate President, said he had no knowledge of Mr Etete’s resignation.

He described the working environment within the office as structured and coordinated, operating in compliance with public service rules and constitutional provisions.

According to Mr Eyiboh, staff members enjoy professional relationships, and human rights are respected within the remit of guaranteed constitutional protections.

The resignation and accompanying allegations shed light on the complexities and tensions within the Senate President’s office, raising questions about workplace culture, the fulfilment of commitments, and the treatment of aides who support high-profile political figures.