Re: Akpabio & Igini NBA Conference Photograph: An Eyewitness Account
Barr. Timothy Sampson
The recent photograph capturing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Resident Electoral Commissioner Barr. Mike Igini, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Barr. 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 maneuvering. Yet, most of these interpretations lack the credibility of firsthand experience. As someone who was present at the event and seated close to Barr. Mike Igini, I offer a detailed and factual account of the circumstances surrounding this photograph, particularly shedding light on Barr. Mike Igini’s visible reluctance to oblige the request in the first instance.
Senate President Akpabio arrived late at the conference, characteristically surrounded by his entourage, in the middle of a presentation by former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. The session was expertly anchored by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Solid Minerals. The panel, comprising esteemed figures like the Attorney General of the Federation, was momentarily disrupted by Akpabio’s grand entrance—a protocol breach that has become almost synonymous with his public appearances. This disruption was not only an affront to the dignity of the event but also a continuation of Akpabio’s longstanding disregard for established decorum, something well-known to those familiar with his political career.
Barely settled, Akpabio soon left the hall, followed by his security detail, further disrupting the ongoing presentation. The reaction from participants was one of visible displeasure, as this was not the first time Akpabio’s behaviour had inconvenienced others. His return to the hall only intensified the undercurrent of frustration among the attendees, who were already perturbed by his earlier antics.
When Akpabio returned to his seat, the mood in the hall was palpably tense. As Mahama’s presentation neared its conclusion, the expected courtesy of acknowledging Akpabio’s presence was conspicuously withheld by Dr. Fayemi, who, it seemed, chose to ignore the Senate President’s arrival. This deliberate omission was met with quiet approval from the audience, who recognized it as a subtle reprimand for Akpabio’s earlier disruption. The murmurs of satisfaction around me underscored a collective disdain for Akpabio’s disregard for protocol.
Not one to shy away from the limelight, Akpabio’s aides soon took to the stage, setting up his podium adorned with the insignia of the Senate President—a premature and presumptuous act that only added to the irritation of those present. The tension in the room was palpable, with many attendees visibly annoyed by this blatant display of legislative overreach. For those familiar with Akpabio, however, such behaviour was not unexpected; it was, in fact, par for the course.
Amidst this atmosphere, Akpabio began exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries seated nearby, his laughter punctuating the ongoing session. It was during this time that Barr. 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 on the request of Akpabio who apparently had been told that Barr. Mike lgini was seated close by sought to meet him. Solomon Umoh SAN beckoned Barr. Mike Igini. I clearly heard Umoh convey Akpabio’s request for a photograph.
Igini, ever the epitome of professional decorum, hesitated and it was those of us seated close to him that appealed to him not to shun him. His reluctance was evident as he slowly approached the spot where Akpabio and Umoh were standing waiting for him. It was clear to those observing that Igini was uncomfortable with the situation. His reluctance was not rooted in animosity, but in an understanding of the optics and implications of such an image, especially considering Akpabio’s penchant for leveraging public appearances for personal gain. Now we know better why lgini was reluctant.
Despite his reservations, Igini obliged out of respect for the office of the Senate President, a gesture of courtesy rather than camaraderie. The photograph was taken, and within hours, it became fodder for social media speculation. The narrative quickly spun out of control, with the image being touted as a symbol of reconciliation—a gross misrepresentation of the actual events. Igini’s fears were realized as the photograph was used to paint Akpabio in a light of unwarranted sanctity, twisting a moment of professional courtesy into a political tool.
When Akpabio was eventually introduced by a minister—after much delay—his walk to the podium was accompanied by a notable exodus. Former President Mahama, alongside other dignitaries, chose that moment to leave, a silent yet powerful statement that did not go unnoticed by the audience. The sequence of events that led to this moment, especially the circumstances surrounding the photograph, underscores the importance of context in interpreting public images.
The truth of the matter is that Igini’s presence in that photograph was a product of circumstance, respect for the senior lawyers and judges on the second roll that lgini was seated that appealed to him and not a matter of choice. His reluctance and the eventual use of the image highlight the manipulative tendencies of political actors who seek to exploit even the smallest gestures for their gain. As an eyewitness, it is crucial to correct the record: Igini’s involvement was nothing more than an act of professional respect, not an endorsement or a sign of reconciliation given that lgini had publicly stated severally that he has no personal issue with Akpabio or anyone but only carry out a public duty as an Umpire who must be above board like Julius Caesar’s wife. Thus, the narrative being spun around about the photograph is a disservice to truth and to the integrity of those involved, especially Igini, a man that overwhelming majority of Nigerians continue to applaud and attest to his unquestionable integrity and votary for due electoral process. He has consistently upheld the principles of fairness and justice in his professional career.
