Godswill Akpabio, a former Senate minority leader representing Akwa Ibom Northwest, has described President-elect Bola Tinubu as “God’s own choice’’ for the country’s leadership.
The former Niger Delta affairs minister was nominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the position of senate president while Barau Jibrin was recommended as deputy senate president.
Akpabio said senators-elect for the 10th assembly believes in the vision Tinubu has for the country and are willing to offer their support.
The former Akwa Ibom governor said he would deploy multi-faceted, multi-dimensional and national approaches to law-making if he became the Senate president.
He said the Senate, under his leadership, would have complete control over its affairs without being confrontational with the executive arm of government.
Akpabio said he and his proposed deputy would work with Tinubu’s regime to improve the country and make laws supporting development.
“The stability group of the 10th senate is made up of men and women of integrity. We came today to show ourselves to the governor and also solicit his support,” he said.
“He (Sanwo-Olu) has not only thrown his support behind us, he has shown so much hospitality. Today, he stood before the cameras to endorse my humble self to become the president of the 10th senate and Senator Jibrin as deputy senate president-designate.
“We are not taking this support for granted. This team has senators elect from different political backgrounds and parties. We are determined to ensure collaboration and support for the incoming administration of Tinubu whose presidency is a nationalistic project that will bring positive development to Nigeria.
“We want him to replicate what has happened in Lagos in the last 24 years of democracy to cover the rest of the country.”
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, reacting to anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress of both Akpabio and Barau for the positions of senate president and deputy.
Speaking while hosting the duo at the Lagos government house on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu said Akpabio and Jibrin are offering stability to the country which would be of benefit to Nigerians.
He said as a result of his experience and profile, Akpabio will set new standards and break legislative records.
“Having discussed extensively and listened to all the plans and agenda presented by the Stability Group led by Senator Akpabio, I believe it is proper and appropriate that we, in Lagos, give them our official endorsement,” the Lagos governor said.
“This is a project for the stability of the country, which will benefit Nigerians, especially the people who elected these distinguished lawmakers-elect.
“They are committed to working harmoniously with the executive and this will bring about a win-win for all our citizens and for democracy.
“I believe the incoming 10th national assembly will be about great possibilities and shaping a new course for the nation.
“Given the outstanding profile and experience Senator Akpabio and his team are bringing to the table, I believe there will be new standards and new legislative records will break.”
On his part, Akpabio said the national assembly under his stewardship would work with the incoming administration for the benefit of citizens.
“Particularly, we are challenged by the economy; we want to see serious improvement in the IGR of the nation to enable us to repay our loan facilities,” he said.
“We want to see more foreign direct investment in the country. We will support him through favourable legislation to ensure Nigeria remains investment-friendly and a business destination in Africa.”
Notorious birds of a feather will always fly together…