Social Media Has Rubbished My Name That I Didn’t Know My Name Could Even Recover Children- Akpabio

According to a report by Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that despite the negative perception of him on social media, his name still carries influence, citing the rescue of three children from Akwa Ibom State who were allegedly kidnapped by suspected human traffickers and taken to Ghana.

According to Tribune Online, the three children were reportedly abducted and transported through several locations, including Aba, Katsina and Lagos, as the suspected traffickers allegedly attempted to sell them before planning to move them to Ghana.

Reports indicated that the eldest child warned prospective buyers that Akpabio was searching for them.

The warning reportedly contributed to the development surrounding the rescue of the children.

Reacting to the incident during Tuesday’s Senate plenary, Akpabio expressed surprise that his name could help in efforts to rescue the children, despite what he described as the damage social media had done to his reputation.

The Senate President also pledged to sponsor the education of the eldest rescued child through university, saying he wanted to meet the child personally and fulfil his promise.

Akpabio used the incident to emphasise that public figures could still command influence regardless of the criticism and negative comments directed at them on social media.

He said the development had shown him that his name remained useful, adding that people should not underestimate the potential impact of their reputation despite public criticism.

Speaking during the plenary, Akpabio said, “Social media has so rubbished my name that I did not know my name could even recover children. So, for once, my name is useful. I want to see that child.

“I promise myself that when I see the child, I will give that child a scholarship to university level. Yes, just to inform you that sometimes, despite what they say about you, all of you on social media, your name can still move mountains,” he said.

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