- By Edward Usoro
Amidst the euphoric celebration, he lowered his frame gingerly into his exalted seat and banged the gavel thrice. Then, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, heaved a sigh of relief; a smile appearing on his lips. He had just been sworn-in as the president of the 10th Senate of Nigeria. Promptly, he called the house to order and silence descended on the chamber. No time to waste; work had just started. And, the man whose reputation for diligence, hard work and achievements precedes him everywhere he goes hit the ground running. The date was Tuesday, June 13.
Almost everything about Akpabio is “uncommon.” Even his inaugural speech shocked many with its soothing content. Peace, unity and glamour grew within the senate a few weeks later, following his choice of some committee leadership. With a tinge of humour, Akpabio, after acknowledging God for his “control over the affairs of men,” unnerved some of his colleagues with his humility and accommodating spirit. He promised to be “one among” the senators and to work with them all, irrespective of party affiliation. About eight political parties are represented in the 10th Senate but Akpabio promised to treat all senators with respect and decorum. “I’ll be a Senate President that will stand for all,” he pledged. For Akpabio, there’s no dividing line between those who supported him and those who didn’t. Even his strongest rival, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari from Zamfara, got commendation and a hand of fellowship for a “hard fight”.
The new senate president is very conscious and in tune with the current realities in the country. Thus, done with confidence-building among the senators, he switched focus to the core duties. “The 10th Senate will do national duties,” he promised. Then, he added: “I want to assure you that the enormous responsibilities facing us, we will tackle them headlong…we’ll look into the existing laws to ensure they are fit for purpose…we’ll try our best to make laws that will move the nation forward and encourage foreign direct investment into the country.”
The country, he admitted, has been grappling with a lot of difficulties and that the economy requires renewal and revitalisation. It’s often said that the first step to solving a problem is the admission that it exists. Akpabio did just that, signalling is unpretentious disposition towards changing the deplorable status quo.
“The Senate is about Nigeria and Nigerians. And so long as the policies that come to this chamber concern the empowerment and upliftment of Nigerians, we shall dwell and deliberate and then have robust debate on them, with public hearings,” he said.
From his days as governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio has always delivered quality leadership. Hence, he earned the sobriquet of an “uncommon” leader through all his public assignments. So, when he told the nation that he will “bring uncommon changes to the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” many believed him because his track records are there for all to see.
“Whatever will happen here (Senate), we will think Nigeria and we will make a very big (positive) difference,” he assured. The senate, undoubtedly, demonstrated that a few days later. When the President requested approval towards obtaining $800 million to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy withdrawal, he got it with speed. That was in line with the senate’s avowed determination to support policies that would ease the burden on the masses.
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Akpabio’s 10th Senate started by glamorously outlining its area of focus. Promising never to betray its mission which include renewing hope, revitalising the Nigerian economy, working closely with the executive to better the lives of the people, the senate appears clearly people-oriented. For instance, the Senate President said they will deal mostly with gender matters; issues concerning persons with disabilities and the vulnerable population in the society; promotion of positive engagement of the youths, among others. Irked by the disturbing involvement of youths in vices like Boko harm insurgency, unknown gunmen, etc., Akpabio’s senate has promised to draw up legislations to help create jobs, thus check insecurity. Again, to demonstrate its commitment towards security management, the senate wasted no time in confirming President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for the office of Chief of Defence Staff; Chief of Army Staff; Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff.
Working with the executive arm, the senate has also promised to expand the revenue stream across the country, so that debts can be tackled. Understandably, when debts are defrayed and the cost of servicing reduced, funds can then be channelled into productive ventures that will be of greater benefits to the greater majority. It was to this that the senate president referred when he promised to support the Tinubu-led government to ensure that Nigeria produces what she consumes. Clearly, when put into the expected action, the nation stands to gain a great deal in productivity and prosperity.
Environmental issues and sustainable growth also fall into the priority scale of the 10th Senate. Akpabio, to underscore the commitment of his leadership, clearly assured on providing the required legislative framework to help government anchor its policies and programmes. In other words, he hammered repeatedly on the readiness of the senate to engage in, support or promote all activities that will yield enormous benefits for the masses.
What makes Akpabio’s Senate particularly interesting is the humour interjects. He has a way of diffusing tension and generating camaraderie. For instance, during the confirmation of the service chiefs, each nominee was allotted time to introduce himself. In the course of it, the chamber became tense and too serious. Akpabio lightened the moment when he acknowledged the “uncommmon nominee for Chief of Army Staff!” And, the house went down in laughter. When the Chief of Air Staff used almost 10 minutes to introduce himself, despite asking for two minutes, Akpabio allowed him to finish. Then he said: “Thank you for using two minutes.” To some of his colleagues, when not audible during contributions, Akpabio urges them to use “campaign voice.” Once, he referred to the noise in the background as “explosion”, charging the Clerk to use his technical team to check it.
On June 19, after exhaustive legislative engagements, Akpabio thanked his colleagues for the “tasking but uncommon deliberations.” During the inauguration of the senate, he cautioned with his last daughter, who was in the chamber to witness the event, not to fall for any senator. But then, he drew more laughter when he jocularly admitted that he would not mind being a father-in-law to an unmarried, young senator!
In sympathy with women for not clinching more seats in the 10th senate, he has prayed that they do better in the 11th senate. Again, the senate went down in amusement when he added: “but not my seat!”
• Usoro is a public affairs analyst, in Abuja.