Godswill Akpabio

Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON (born 9 December 1962), is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who was Governor of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria from 29 May 2007 to 29 May 2015. He is also a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate's Minority Leader.

Early life and career

Godswill Akpabio is the son of Chief Obot Akpabio and Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio (née Inyangetor) of Ukana, Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area. He was born on 9 December 1962. He lost his father early in life and was raised by his mother, who inculcated in him the values of hard work, discipline and honesty.

Education

He was educated at Methodist Primary School, Ukana,Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State; the prestigious Federal Government College, Port Harcourt,Rivers State; and the University of Calabar,Cross River State, where he obtained a Degree in Law. He was called to the Nigerian bar in 1988.

While at the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, he was appointed the General Senior Prefect. In the University of Calabar, his charisma endeared him to the students and he was elected the Speaker of the Students’ Parliament.