President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been lauded for strategic, inclusive, and results-driven leadership since assumption of office in marking two years since June 13, 2023.
The Special Assistant, Media to the President of the Senate, Jackson Udom, in a commemorative reflection titled “Akpabio: Diary of a Legislative Czar in the Red Chamber,” lauded Akpabio’s commitment to national consensus building for the development of the country.
Udom chronicled the achievements of the Senate President over the last 730 days, highlighting his role in stabilizing the Red Chamber, strengthening the legislative institution, and contributing to key national reforms.
“Senator Akpabio has demonstrated exceptional leadership, navigating complex legislative terrain with finesse and clarity of vision. His ability to balance competing interests, unite political factions, and drive forward the agenda of national development is a testament to his strategic insight,” Udom said.
He noted that from the outset, Akpabio’s emergence was not without challenges as he faced resistance from within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and skepticism from the opposition.
However, he said, backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership, Akpabio built the consensus needed to clinch the Senate presidency and immediately swung into action to reconcile various camps.
He pointed out that one of the most contentious issues facing new Senate leaderships, the sharing of committee positions, was deftly handled.
Udom noted that Akpabio oversaw an inclusive process that ensured equitable distribution of chairmanships and deputy roles across party lines, preempting the friction that had undermined previous sessions.
“With deliberate strategy and tact, he ensured that no senator or bloc felt left out. That spirit of inclusion has engendered stability and unity in the Red Chamber,” Udom noted.
He said under Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate has passed several impactful legislations, including the 2025 Appropriation Act. He also played a key role in rallying legislative support for the removal of fuel subsidies, a policy long considered necessary but politically risky.
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Udom described Akpabio’s role in the subsidy removal as a reflection of his courage and clarity in governance
“Rather than shy away from the policy, he stood with the executive, articulating the economic rationale and bringing the Senate along in support,” he said.
He added that beyond that, Akpabio’s Senate has prioritized laws and policies that promote economic growth, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and national security.
His leadership style, Udom said, has helped improve budget performance and foster accountability across government agencies.
Recognizing the country’s complex security landscape, the Senate under Akpabio approved significant budgetary increases for the military, police, and intelligence community.
These moves, Udom said, underscore the Senate President’s commitment to national stability and security.
“Akpabio understands that a secure Nigeria is the foundation for development. His support for security reforms and funding demonstrates this understanding,” he said.
He said in terms of oversight, the Senate has adopted a more proactive stance, demanding efficiency and transparency in public spending.
Udom credited Akpabio for pushing the Senate to go beyond rubber-stamping to meaningful engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
One hallmark of Akpabio’s leadership, Udom said, is his openness to the public and the media.
He said through regular briefings and statements, the Senate President has kept citizens informed about the Senate’s priorities and positions on critical issues.
“Akpabio has made efforts to demystify the Senate and restore trust in legislative processes. This is vital in bridging the gap between citizens and their representatives,” he noted.
According to Udom, what has emerged over the last two years is “The Akpabio Model” which is a framework built on four pillars: strategic vision, inclusive leadership, transparency, and effective communication.
He said future presiding officers and legislative leaders would do well to study and emulate this model.
“Senator Akpabio has shown that with vision, patience, and tact, a Senate can be both productive and peaceful. He is not just presiding over lawmakers; he is managing a national institution in the service of democracy,” Udom stated.
He said as Akpabio’s tenure progresses, attention is shifting to what legacy he will leave behind.
For now, Udom said, the Senate President remains committed to deepening democratic values, promoting good governance, and delivering legislative backing for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The last two years have shown what is possible when leadership rises above politics and focuses on nation-building,” Udom said.