Akpabio was good comedian, says former classmate

A former classmate of Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described him as a naturally humorous individual who joked a lot during their school years.

Charles Preye Zuofa, who attended Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, alongside Akpabio, shared that his peers fondly called him “Goddy A” due to his wit and intelligence.

Zuofa also addressed the recent sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, dismissing them based on his decades-long acquaintance with Akpabio. According to him, in over 50 years of knowing Akpabio, he has never witnessed any inappropriate behavior towards women.

He further recalled Akpabio’s tenure as Senior Prefect at their alma mater, emphasizing that he never exhibited any misconduct towards women, whether in school or beyond. Zuofa, who was present during a guided tour of Akpabio’s residence in Uyo—where Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged the Senate President made improper remarks—expressed skepticism over the claims.

He stated that unless proven in court, these allegations, as well as similar claims made previously by former Interim Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunieh, remain unsubstantiated.

“Goddy A, as we used to call him back then in FGC, Port Harcourt, was a very intelligent yet humorous student. Before stand-up comedy became popular in Nigeria, ‘Goddy A’ was already a stand-up comedian. I believe it was in our fourth year that he won the title of best DJ and stand-up comedian of the school, earning him that nickname,” Zuofa said.

He described Akpabio as someone who used humor to lighten serious situations, ensuring that those around him felt at ease. Despite his comedic nature, Zuofa noted that Akpabio was a diligent and intelligent student with strong leadership qualities.

“He was our Senior Prefect, a role that required a well-rounded individual with leadership, responsibility, integrity, and interpersonal skills. As Senior Prefect, Godswill Akpabio played a crucial role in maintaining order, fostering a positive school environment, and serving as a role model for the entire student body. It’s no surprise that the leadership qualities he exhibited then have propelled him to lead the legislative arm of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he added.

Zuofa highlighted his continued close relationship with Akpabio over the years, having participated in various public engagements, celebrations, and receptions involving the Senate President.

“A documentary was produced to celebrate Godswill Akpabio at 50, where I spoke on behalf of his friends. I was also present at his 59th birthday in Uyo, his 61st birthday, and his well-attended homecoming event at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. My presence and active involvement in organizing these events underscore the depth of our friendship,” he stated.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, Zuofa maintained his stance on Akpabio’s character.

“But the allegations of sexual harassment do not align with the behavior and conduct of the Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio that I have known and interacted with very closely for 50 years. Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, who is a remarkably close friend and about whom I can safely give a character opinion, has always displayed the utmost courtesy and respect towards women. I must restate that the current allegations of sexual harassment are entirely contrary to my personal experience of the Senate President, and I would consider them totally unfounded until otherwise proven,” he said.