Akpabio, Jibrin Get Backing of 72 Non-serving Senators to Lead 10th Senate
- Senator Godswill Akpabio has received the full backing of 72 non-serving Senators across Nigeria to become the next Senate president
- The former lawmakers disclosed this at a press conference which was held in Abuja on Monday, May 8
- According to the non-serving Senators, they are convinced that Akpabio will succeed as a Senate president with Senator Barau Jibrin as his deputy
A former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has been backed by 72 non-serving senators of the Third and Fourth Republic to serve as the Senate president of the 10th National Assembly.
The non-serving senators, in a meeting in Abuja, expressed their support for the zoning of the position of the Senate president to the south-south geo-political zone of Nigeria.
Source: UGC
Speaking at the press briefing in Abuja on Monday, May 8, the group convener, Senator Basheer Lado, said Akpabio should serve as Senate president while Senator Barau Jibrin deputises him at the 10th National Assembly.
Lado noted that the National Assembly requires experienced and level-headed leaders as presiding officers to calm the current tension in the country.
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His words:
“We believe that, in the spirit of equity, fairness, political expedience and following extensive consultations with stakeholders, hereby express our total support for the zoning of the position of the President of the 10th Senate to the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria.
"We also affirm our unfettered support for the position of the President of the 10th Senate, who also doubles as the Chairman of the National Assembly to be conferred on His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON.
"The position of Senate President represents the third position in the hierarchy of our current democratic dispensation."
The non-serving senators said that the senate's president carries such a heavy weight that it is essential that whoever takes the seat must be capable of handling the responsibilities that come with the position.
He added:
"It is also important that the holder of such a position enjoys the confidence and support of the party leadership and that of his peers as Senator Godswill Akpabio undoubtedly does.
"With this same spirit of fairness, we also affirm our solid support that the position of Deputy President of the 10th Senate be conceded to Distinguished Senator Barau I. Jubrin, CON, representing Kano North Senatorial Zone, Kano State.
"It is our conviction that diverse and united legislative leadership is critical to good governance.
The group appealed to other aspirants to support Akpabio and Barau.
“In view of the above, we wish to respectfully appeal to all other aspirants to these key positions to kindly support our position by withdrawing their respective bids.
"We believe that their withdrawal and cooperation will reduce the acrimony that commonly characterises the jostle for power in the National Assembly amongst the geo-political zones.
"This will go a long way in ensuring a peaceful and smooth take-off of the incoming administration."
Is Nigeria’s next Senate President and Speaker confirmed? Fresh report reveals Tinubu’s choice
The race for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly is becoming more apparent as development unfolds.
Reliable sources have confirmed Bola Tinubu's preference for Godswill Akpabio as the new Senate President.
Big political names like Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor Dave Umahi and Senator Ali Ndume have all confirmed the same position.
Photos emerge as Akpabio meets Buhari, unveils Senate Presidency ambition
Meanwhile, Senator-elect for the Ikot-Ekpene senatorial district, Godswill Akpabio, recently met with President Muhammadu Buhari to brief him on his Senate presidential ambition.
One of Buhari's aides shared photos of the moment both men met at the Presidential Villa.
The former minister of Niger Delta Affairs also presented his certificate of return to the president during the meeting.
Source: Legit.ng
