By Cross Udo, Abuja
Some lawyers at the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Lagos have volunteered to give an eyewitness account of what transpired between the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and former Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini.
Reactions have followed the statement from the Office of the President of the Senate, in which an insinuation was made suggesting that Senator Godswill Akpabio and Igini had a reconciliation meeting at the NBA Conference.
An eyewitness, a legal luminary, Shola Akerele, who was seated close to Igini at the NBA Conference, revealed that Igini was initially reluctant to take a photograph with Akpabio, citing concerns about the optics and implications of such an image.
Despite his reservations, Igini eventually obliged out of respect for the office of the Senate President, not as a sign of camaraderie or endorsement.
Akerele disputed the narrative that the photograph symbolizes reconciliation, stating that Igini’s involvement was solely an act of professional respect.
The account also highlighted Akpabio’s disruptive entrance at the conference, which was met with disapproval from attendees, and his subsequent attempts to leverage the photograph for personal gain.
The eyewitness praised Igini’s commitment to fairness and justice, citing his role in upholding the integrity of electoral processes in Nigeria.
Akerele, who reacted to the picture taken by the President of the Senate and Igini and the purported reconciliatory meeting by the duo, said there was nothing like a reconciliatory meeting as was insinuated in some quarters.
He said, “The recent photograph capturing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former REC Mike Igini, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Solomon Umoh at the NBA Conference in Lagos has stirred a whirlwind of interpretations across social media.
“Various narratives, often laden with political undertones, have surfaced, some symbolizing reconciliation, others suggesting political manoeuvring. Yet, most of these interpretations need more credibility from first-hand experience.
“As someone present at the event and seated close to Mike Igini, I offer a detailed and factual account of the circumstances surrounding this photograph, particularly shedding light on Mike Igini’s visible reluctance to oblige the request in the first instance.”
“Senate President Akpabio arrived late at the conference with an entourage that momentarily disrupted former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s presentation.
“Amidst this atmosphere, Akpabio began exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries seated nearby, his laughter punctuating the ongoing session.
“It was during this time that Solomon Umoh, who had previously engaged in legal battles with Akpabio, caught his attention. The two exchanged cordial greetings, a sight that caught the attention of many in the hall.
“Umoh, in a surprising turn, at Akpabio’s request, who had been told that Mike was again seated close by, sought to meet him. Solomon Umoh, SAN, beckoned Mike Igini. I heard Umoh convey Akpabio’s request for a photograph.
“Igini, ever the epitome of professional etiquette, hesitated, and those of us seated close to him appealed to him not to shun him.
“His reluctance was evident as he slowly approached the spot where Akpabio and Umoh were waiting for him. It was clear to those observing that Igini was uncomfortable with the situation.”
