Charles Preye Zuofa, a classmate of Senate President Godswill Akpabio at Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, has disclosed that Nigeria’s number three citizen was a comedian back in school.
Zuofa revealed that Akpabio was fondly called “Goddy A” because of his sense of humour and intelligence.
He also dismissed the allegation of sexual harassment levelled against the senate president by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying for over 50 years he has related with Akpabio, he has never seen him molesting any woman.
He also stated that as senior prefect at the Federal Government College, Akpabio never molested any woman, whether in or outside the school.
He said he was present at the guided tour of Akpabio’s House in Uyo, where Natasha claimed that the Senate President made some improper comments about her.
He said unless proven in court, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations and the one made earlier by a former Interim Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunueh, were strange.
He said: “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, ‘Gody A’ was a stand-up comedian. He contested I think in our 4th year and won the best DJ and stand-up comedian of the school; it was thereafter that we coined and gave him the nickname ‘Goddy A’.
“The Senate President was someone who made light of what would ordinarily pass for serious situations. He always cracked jokes to make everyone feel comfortable in his presence. The Senate President even in his humorous nature was a serious minded, studious and intelligent student who exhibited high level leadership qualities.
“He was our Senior Prefect and, you know to be Senior Prefect you must be a well-rounded individual who embodies leadership, responsibility, integrity, and strong 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.
“Am not surprised that the high-quality leadership traits he exhibited back then, has now catapulted him to the leadership of the legislative arm of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
Zuofa said after their FGC years, he still maintained close relationship and contact with the Senate President and was part of many public engagements, celebrations and receptions involving Akpabio.
“A documentary was made to celebrate Godswill Akpabio at 50. I spoke on behalf of his friends in the documentary. I was also present at his 59th birthday held in Uyo. I was further present at his 61st birthday and well attended triumphant homecoming held at the world renowned Godswill Akpabio Stadium. My presence and active involvement at the organization of these milestone events underscore the durability and depth of our relationship”, he said.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations made against Akpabio by Natasha, he said: “But the allegations of sexual harassment do not align with the behaviour 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 and treated women with utmost courtesy and respect. 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 it totally unfounded until otherwise proven”.(Daily trust)
