A post circulating on social media from the website www.sportifypost.com.ng claims that Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, stated:
“We were taught even while in school that the parliament can turn a woman into a man.”
The post further alleges that he made the remark while speaking at a public lecture held in Abuja.
Godswill Akpabio is a Nigerian politician who previously served as Governor of Akwa Ibom State (2007–2015) and later as a Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. In June 2023, he became the President of the Nigerian Senate, making him the head of the legislative arm of government.
Nigeria’s parliament, officially called the National Assembly, is the law-making body. It operates a bicameral system, meaning it has two chambers:
- The Senate (upper chamber)
- The House of Representatives (lower chamber)
The National Assembly is responsible for making laws, overseeing government activities, and representing the interests of citizens. Nigeria adopted this system following the return to democracy in 1999.
Findings
Verification confirms that there is indeed a video recording in which Senator Akpabio made the statement, the statement was made at the 1 hour 1- minute mark of a video published originally by a credible media outfit Channels TV.
The remark was delivered during a public lecture organised in honour of the 57th birthday of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, held in Abuja about a year ago.
Conclusion
True. Senator Godswill Akpabio made the statement during a public lecture in Abuja.
