Timi Frank, a political activist and former deputy spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Frank’s scathing remarks were in response to Akpabio’s recent comments about the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking at a public event in Port Harcourt, Akpabio accused Governor Fubara of betraying his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Frank, however, rejected these accusations, calling Akpabio “the most unqualified person” to judge Fubara’s character.
He described Akpabio as a “Pharisee,” a term used to refer to someone who criticizes others for faults they themselves possess.
“You cannot give what you don’t have,” Frank said in his response. “Akpabio sees the speck in Fubara’s eyes but has a log in his own.”
Frank’s comments come after Akpabio’s speech at a book launch and birthday event for Wike, marking the former governor’s 57th birthday.
Akpabio used the occasion to attack Governor Fubara, accusing him of “treachery and betrayal” against Wike, his former political ally.
But Frank is not buying it. He called Akpabio’s accusations hypocritical. “The man who spoke is a known betrayer,” Frank said.
He pointed out that both Akpabio and Wike have a history of political betrayals.
In 2015, Akpabio left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC. He also replaced Senator James Manager, who had been the most senior senator from the South-South region, as minority leader.
Frank argued that Akpabio’s defection to the APC, while holding a key position in the PDP, was itself an act of betrayal.
He went further to say that Wike, despite his past criticism of the APC, is also part of this betrayal.
“Wike is still in the game of betrayal,” Frank said. “He is a PDP minister in an APC government. How is that not a betrayal?”
Frank also criticized Akpabio for his role in the Senate, calling him a “rubber stamp” who does whatever the president asks.
“Akpabio has turned the 10th Senate into an extension of the executive,” Frank said.
He added that Akpabio’s criticisms of Governor Fubara were not based on facts, but on personal vendettas.
“Akpabio has a problem with Fubara because he is not used to leaders who stand for their people,” Frank said.
Frank’s response is part of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara, who succeeded Wike, has faced growing criticism from both within his party and from opposition figures like Akpabio.
The tension escalated after a court ruling earlier this year that restored the monthly federal allocations to Rivers State.
Frank urged Fubara to stay focused despite the attacks from Akpabio.
“You’ve already won a significant victory with the court ruling. Remain steadfast, and you will overcome these political attacks,” Frank said.
Frank also reminded the public that Akpabio’s accusations against Fubara were baseless and urged them to focus on the real issues affecting Rivers State.
“The people of Rivers State should focus on the issues that matter,” Frank said. “Disregard Akpabio’s baseless claims.”
This back-and-forth between Timi Frank and Godswill Akpabio is the latest chapter in the ongoing political drama surrounding the leadership of Rivers State.
With both sides trading accusations, the state remains a key battleground in Nigerian politics.
For now, it seems that Akpabio and Frank will continue to clash over the future of Rivers State and its leaders.
As the political crisis unfolds, many are waiting to see how it will impact the state’s governance and its role in national politics.