For Godswill Akpabio, television has become more frustrating than informative.
The Senate President says he has reached a point where he would rather stay away from TV broadcasts altogether, insisting that many of the comments attributed to him on air are often stripped of context or completely distorted.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of newly completed access roads in Karsana, Abuja, Akpabio used the occasion to address the controversy that trailed his recent comments on infrastructure projects being executed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
‘That’s Not What I Said’
Akpabio told guests at the event that the backlash followed what he described as a misrepresentation of his earlier remarks.
According to him, people who were present when he spoke understood exactly what he meant, but a different narrative emerged after portions of his comments circulated on television.
He said he has become accustomed to such experiences, adding that repeated instances of what he considers inaccurate reporting have discouraged him from watching television altogether.
The Senate President stressed that his original comments were directed specifically at developments within the Federal Capital Territory and were never intended to compare the FCT with the rest of the country.
Why He Praised Wike And Tinubu
Clarifying his position, Akpabio explained that he was impressed by the pace at which projects were being delivered and commissioned in Abuja under the leadership of President Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He noted that dozens of infrastructure projects had already been commissioned as part of the administration’s third anniversary activities, adding that even more projects were expected before the commencement of election activities next year.
According to him, his comments were simply an acknowledgment of what he described as visible progress in the nation’s capital.
‘Development Is Happening Beyond Abuja’
Akpabio argued that while his earlier remarks focused on the FCT, similar infrastructure projects are taking shape across different parts of Nigeria.
He pointed to ongoing road construction stretching from Badagry to Sokoto, saying the corridor would feature dozens of dams capable of boosting agricultural production and transforming economic activities in northern Nigeria.
The Senate President also highlighted the coastal highway project, describing it as a long-awaited dream for many communities in the Niger Delta that is finally becoming a reality.
Projects Once Forgotten Are Coming Back To Life
Akpabio further cited the completion of a government building now occupied by the Nigeria Revenue Service, saying he was surprised to see a project that had remained unfinished for decades finally brought to completion.
According to him, he had known about the structure since his days as a state commissioner more than two decades ago, but successive administrations failed to complete it until now.
He praised the quality of the finished project, arguing that the Tinubu administration was not limiting itself to new initiatives but was also reviving abandoned developments inherited from previous governments.
‘Karsana Is No Longer Just A Village’
Turning attention to the community hosting the event, Akpabio said the transformation of Karsana reflected the changing face of Abuja’s satellite towns.
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He observed that communities previously regarded as remote settlements were now benefiting from improved road networks and other infrastructure, making them more attractive for residents and investors.
According to him, governance is becoming more visible in areas that were once neglected, insisting that such changes are easier to appreciate on the ground than through public commentary.
Akpabio maintained that while public criticism is inevitable, his comments should be understood in their proper context rather than through what he described as selective interpretations circulated on television.