Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has changed strategy following the biting criticisms that trailed his recent donations which were widely condemned as frivolous and wasteful.

Akpabio had come under heavy fire from Nigerians at home and abroad following his donation of a Toyota Prado SUV to Annie, wife of music star Tuface Idibia, as a wedding gift, sponsorship of Annie’s relatives to the wedding party in Dubai, and donation of a million naira each “for lunch” to the six South-South PDP state chairmen during a party meeting in Port Harcourt in neighbouring Rivers State.

Apparently seeking to avoid further controversies, the Akwa Ibom State helmsman has resorted to making secret donations, News Express can report this morning.

This became apparent last Saturday during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Celebration of the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, organised by the Students’ Representative Council at the school campus in Bwari.

Akpabio, who is a lawyer by profession, was one of the 14 distinguished personalities honoured with awards at the occasion. However, unlike his characteristic self, the governor chose to keep his donation secret even when donations by others were announced.

“Akpabio’s donation was described as ‘HANDSOME’ by the emcee but the actual amount was unannounced due recent media controversy of the generous donations by the governor,” said a source who attended the event.

The highest donors at the event were House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, and Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, each of whom donated half a million naira.

•Photo: Governor Akpabio.