Akpabio also said the late king would be honoured during plenary in the hallowed chamber.
He gave the assurance when a high-powered delegation led by the late monarch’s son, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill paid him a courtesy call at his Abuja residence.
Akpabio said, “I was tutored in Port-Harcourt; I am from the Niger Delta region and as a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
“I can tell you, this king deserves a befitting burial”.
The Senate President added, “National Assembly, members will pay their last respects to the king on the floor of the chambers, and some, including me, will attend the burial.”
The Senate President, who warmly received the Kalabari sons, took the delegation on a mental flight about his inspiration as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and how his pleasant memories while in Port-Harcourt helped develop him.
Earlier in his opening speech, the Chairman of the Burial Committee and only child of the King, Prince Tonye Princewill, thanked the senate president for agreeing to admit the delegation at very short notice.
Princewill said that although the Senate President may already be aware of the king’s departure, it is worthwhile and respectful for the delegation to personally visit him to brief him on the funeral rites.
He then went ahead to introduce the members of his delegation to the Senate President.
In his opening speech, the elder statesman, His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe of Kula, thanked the Senate President for the warm reception and the reason for the visit.
He emphasised the historical ties between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States and stressed the need for the Senate President to be at the funeral in person as a one-time full-fledged “Port-Harcourt boy”.
Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Okpo, King Diamond Tobin-West, awakened the delegation with his past experiences with Sen. Akpabio, while expressing satisfaction with the Senate President’s assurances, but further re-emphasized the need for his presence and support.
In his vote of thanks, Chief David Briggs appreciated the Senate President for receiving the delegation without notice and making them feel at home. He further thanked him for all the promises made, saying, “We will tell our people what we saw and heard here today.”
Others on the delegation were Pastor Tonye Cole, Sir Opunabo Inko Tariah and Mrs. Chinwe Ezeanya.
Also visited by the delegation was the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III who described the passing of the King of Kalabari kingdom, King Prof. TJT Princewill as a great loss that has left behind a huge gap and very big shoes to fill.
