‘I prayed for Nigeria’s leaders’ — Akpabio reveals details of Italy trip

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has revealed that his recent visit to Italy included a spiritual journey during which he prayed for Nigeria, its leaders and an end to insecurity in the country.

Akpabio said he visited the Prayer Ground of St. Padre Pio at San Giovanni Rotondo, describing the site as a holy place where he and his delegation sought God’s blessings for themselves, their families and Nigeria.

He said his prayers covered President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Senate and National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council and the country as a whole.

“I prayed against insecurity, that God should free us from insecurity. I prayed against banditry, I prayed against terrorism,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President acknowledged that his decision to undertake the spiritual exercise might appear unusual to some people but said it was a genuine expression of his faith.

“It might look funny, but it’s the truth, because in our own religion, we believe that unless God protects the house, the watchmen watch in vain,” he said.

Akpabio described the trip as a “slight pilgrimage” and said he believed strongly in the significance of the visit.

He also said the visit marked his 10th time at the St. Padre Pio prayer ground, adding that his family has a personal connection to the saint. According to him, the family named one of their sons Pio and established the Pio Football Academy in his honour.