Edet Ikotidem
Senator Godswill Akpabio is among the most influential and controversial political figures in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Right from his emergence as a commissioner in Akwa Ibom State through his service as Governor, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, and now Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the political life of Akpabio has been characterized by prominence, ambition, charisma, and public attention. In effect, his lifestyle, both public and private, has inspired both admiration and criticism.
Philanthropy of Senate President Godswill Akpabio
“Lifestyle, in political analysis, is more than owning material goods. It embraces leadership styles, public behavior, individual values, power relationships, and the use of influence.” People with high self-esteem have positive values that influence their lifestyle. They believe
I am examining the political lifestyle, the real or personal lifestyle, and the lifestyle given or the lifestyle of the giver, as exemplified by Akpabio, in the context of the socio-political reality in Nigeria.
Godswill Akpabio’s political lifestyle exudes a great deal of visibility, presence, as well as dominance.
Unlike low profile politicians who run their affairs low profiled within the party structures, Akpabio loves the spotlight. His body language, dressing, and address exude power and class. His is a lifestyle that depicts a political ideological conviction that power must be seen for respect.
As the Governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015, Akpabio adopted the approach of being a “hands-on” governor, commissioning projects on his own and interacting with the citizenry.
Infrastructure featured prominently during his administration, and he thus earned the nickname “Uncommon Transformer.” This nickname has become an essential part of his political lifestyle, which can be referred to as politics as performance, symbolism, and narrative-making.
One characteristic in Akpabio’s political lifestyle that can be identified is that of being pragmatic rather than ideologically driven. This includes his change of allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in 2018, and his continued relevance in politics till today.
Pundits see this as opportunistic, while supporters blame this for being too realistic for Nigeria’s dynamic political setting.
Either way, Akpabio’s political style is one that emphasizes survival and positioning over political loyalty. Yet, it is exactly this political style that has allowed Akpabio to occupy the national political stage for the past two decades.
As Senate President, the political life-style of Akpabio tends to be centrally led, and he wishes to have control over legislative activities. This shows that he was controlled in his previous capacity as governor, where decisions are largely centrally placed.
Proponents of this system claim that it lends much-needed integrity and decisiveness to the legislative arm, especially within a polarized political context. On the contrary, “it may lead to the suppression of dissent and thus stifle democracy.” However, the political lifestyle of Akpabio tilts more towards leadership strength rather than leadership ambiguity within a consensus-building process.
Akpabio’s political lifestyle is also characterized by his remarkable connection with the executive. Serving as Senate President during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has defined the office of the Senate in terms of partnership rather than opposition.
This model appears to align with the belief in the effectiveness of the collaboration of the arms of the government in good governance. Yet, there seem to be concerns regarding the autonomy of the legislature.
Thus, Akpabio’s political lifestyle draws a balance between institutionalization and political loyalty, a situation which also forms part of Nigeria’s large theme of democracy.
Godswill Akpabio’s lifestyle is an indication of the privilege Nigeria’s political elite enjoy. He is perceived as rich, living above want to the extent that he enjoys the privileges that come with being in high office. This is shown by his lifestyle, through his homes, convoy, dress, and outings.
Even though this lifestyle garners a lot of criticism in a land plagued with poverty, it is actually common with politicians who find their place within the top echelon of Nigerian society. Akpabio exudes a non-ascetic lifestyle, including a seeming contentment with his elite position.
Akpabio’s personal lifestyle has been greatly influenced by such controversies. There had been claims and allegations concerning corruption, wealth acquisition, and governance issues, particularly during and since the end of his governorship and ministerial posts.
Although he has denied these accusations, he still cannot be said to be conclusively guilty, but these incidents have affected how his life is perceived. His affluence, which he sees as “rags-to-riches” success, is what his critics view as “Nigeria’s political class excesses.” His affluence also symbolizes political relevance for his supporters.
Also read: Akpabio Natasha Feud: Defending Senate’s Integrity Against Emotional Manipulation, Misrepresentation
On a personal note, Akpabio has been observed to be social, affable, and highly people-centered. This is evident because he loves gatherings, loves listening to stories, and sometimes takes on a ‘father’ or ‘mentor’ role among his supporters. This part of Akpabio’s social life also boosts his political capital because social relationships are highly valued in Nigerian politics.
This is no doubt the lifestyle that supports the fact that he is a true son of the soil and comes from Akwa Ibom State. He often leans on the Ibibio tradition and identity.
One of the most visible traits associated with Akpabio’s public persona is his role as a giver. Giving can be viewed as a cultural requirement within the Nigerian political setting. Akpabio has took full advantage of this aspect or has practiced it wholeheartedly.
His giving life as a benefactor incorporates financial support for individuals, community projects, scholarships, as well as intervening during periods of crisis. Many people consider his person accessible and empathetic.
As governor, Akpabio embarked on extensive infrastructural development projects, including roads, hospitals, schools, and other public buildings, which are seen as forms of institutionalized giving. Apart from involving his community in governmental projects, he has been linked to contributions to churches, youth organizations, traditional systems, and women’s
This act of generosity has not only helped to instill loyalty and admiration, especially among ordinary people. In societies where state welfare programs are lacking, this act of giving fills an important gap in making a leader more legitimate.
Despite its popularity, the lifestyle of Akpabio as a giver has been faced with criticism. It is argued that it promotes patronage politics, whereby citizens look up to an individual’s benevolence. Others have questioned the source of funds that are often used in the process of giving. This is in a nation that has faced challenges associated with high levels of corruption.
Another argument that can be raised is that, at times, altruistic actions tend to take precedence over governance failures. Even as charitable actions help to alleviate current challenges, they are not entirely effective in addressing structural concerns that include unemployment, education, and healthcare reform.
Culturally, Akpabio’s philanthropy fits in with the ideals of sharing in Africa, which emphasize the virtues of sharing and social responsibility. It can be noted, in this regard, that Akpabio, with his life of sharing, fits into the leadership ideals in that culture.
Morally, his generosity is viewed by supporters as the manifestation of a caring heart and social awareness by the people. On the contrary, his generosity can never justify his performance, according to his critics.
When considered together, the political lifestyle, personal lifestyle, and lifestyle of giver all seem to comprise a complex and consistent identity of Akpabio. The political lifestyle is characterized by power, strategy, and visibility. The personal lifestyle is marked by elite comfort and status-based power.
The lifestyle of giver is characterized by compassion, access, and rootedness within culture. These dimensions mutually accentuate each other. His generosity consolidates his political support; his elite position reinforces his authority; and his political power sustains his generosity.
Yet, they are also sources of tension—between wealth and poverty, authority and accountability, and generosity and weakness. For his supporters, Akpabio is a transformational leader, a benefactor of the people, and a strategist with a clear appreciation of the challenges of Nigerian politics. For his critics, he stands for indulgence, patronage, and personalization of power.
In the end, the lifestyle of Akpabio, just as his professional life, has to be assessed in the context of the political culture of Nigeria. This is because Akpabio is both the result and the maker of this political culture.
It is pertinent that Akpabio is assessed from the vantage point of understanding both his accomplishments and deficiencies, with his lifestyle contextualized against the struggle for accountability, transparency, and people-oriented governance.
