Akpabio mourns police escort killed by tanker

File photo: Senate President Godswill Akpabio

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The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has announced automatic employment for the two sons of his police rider, Deputy Superintendent of Police Hussani Ibrahim, who died in a motor accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Sunday.

Akpabio made the announcement on Tuesday on the floor of the Senate while formally informing lawmakers of the officer’s death.

The late DSP Ibrahim, who served as the Senate President’s rider, according to a Premium Times report, was killed on Sunday when a petrol tanker rammed into Akpabio’s convoy.

The incident reportedly occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after the Senate President was picked up at the airport following his attendance at the chieftaincy conferment for Senator AbdulAzeez Yari and Seyi Tinubu in Oyo.

Speaking on the incident during plenary, Akpabio said, “We went to Oyo State for the installation of our colleague and the vehicles that came to pick me at the Ibadan airport… Unfortunately, my dispatch rider was run over by a tanker driver, and his head was shattered. We just buried him 15 minutes ago in Kogi State. He left two wives and four children.”

The Senate President appealed to heads of ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to grant automatic employment to the children of the late rider.

He added that if no vacancies were available, he would personally ensure their employment.

“By the grace of God, I’m recommending two of his senior children for employment immediately in any parastatals that may wish to, otherwise I’ll employ them personally in any of my private concerns,” Akpabio added.

In a solemn address, Akpabio paid tribute to the deceased officer, describing him as a disciplined and dedicated professional whose life was defined by service.

Addressing the bereaved family, the Senate President said, “Your late father understood the value of work and service. He devoted himself to it. Unfortunately, instead of earning a laurel for the devotion, he earned death.

“But it is death that is not in vain. It is death that testifies to his legacy of service. May the Lord accept his soul.”

Akpabio also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Nigeria Police Force, describing Ibrahim as courageous and fearless.

“I commiserate with the family, the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force over the loss of this courageous, fearless, and daring officer.

“While I pray to God to accept his soul, may He in His infinite mercy grant the family and the Nigeria Police Force the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.

The Senate President explained that the pledge of automatic employment for the late officer’s sons was a personal gesture aimed at honouring his sacrifice and years of dedicated service.

Shortly after the announcement, Kogi West senator, Sunday Karimi, raised a motion for personal explanation to formally present the incident to the Senate through a substantive motion.

While sympathising with the Senate President, Karimi said the late dispatch rider was due for retirement next year.

He added that Mr Hussaini, a native of Kogi State, had served in Akpabio’s convoy since 2023, when he assumed office as Senate President.

Also on Tuesday, the Senate paid tribute to Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur, who died recently.

Tukur was described as a committed and dedicated driver who served for 25 years under the senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Jibrin Echocho.

The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of both deceased individuals and offered prayers for the repose of their souls.

In another development, the Consultant on Communications and Strategy to the President of the Senate, Kenny Okolugbo, on Tuesday resigned his appointment.

Okolugbo conveyed his decision in a letter dated December 22, 2025, which was addressed to the President of the Senate through his Chief of Staff, Chinedu Akubueze.

He cited “business and family commitments” as the reason for stepping aside.

In the resignation letter, Okolugbo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve at the highest level of the legislative arm of government, noting the privilege of working closely with the leadership of the National Assembly.

“I have enjoyed working with the team. I should also point out the privilege of being an adviser to the number three citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Reflecting on his time in office, Okolugbo said he was delighted to be a member of the former Akwa Ibom State governor’s media office.

He said, “I am grateful for the opportunity I had to serve and will wish the best to the President of the Senate as he continues to navigate the chairmanship of the National Assembly and the Senate, in particular.”

The resignation is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Confirming the development, Akubueze said Akpabio had accepted the resignation and extended his best wishes to Okolugbo, commending his contributions and wishing him success in his future endeavours.

Okolugbo’s exit comes amid ongoing efforts by the leadership of the Senate to consolidate its communications strategy.

The PUNCH journalist, Adebayo, has over 20 years of experience covering politics, health, metro, entertainment and properties

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