Tag: Akpabio

Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, April 30, said the fight against poverty and hunger in the country must be total and relentless in order to make lives better for Nigerians.

Akpabio, who disclosed this in his speech while welcoming senators from break, also called on the National Assembly to collaborate with President Bola Tinubu to fight the twin menace.

Also on Tuesday, the Senate adjourned plenary till Tuesday next week.

This followed its resumption from over five week break during which lawmakers observed the Easter and Sallah festivities.

He also lamented insecurity in parts of the country and the recent increases in electricity tariffs and price of petrol.

Akpabio said: “As representatives of the people, it is our duty to address these challenges head-on and work towards a better future for all.

“Let us also not forget the importance of cooperation with our constituents. We were elected to represent their voices, hopes, and dreams.

“It is through our engagement and partnership with them that we can truly make a meaningful impact on their lives and the development of our nation.

“The National Assembly can only fly with two wings. Therefore, both the Senate and the House of Representatives must collaborate and cooperate and provide the wings for the National Assembly to fly and lift Nigerians up.

“We must at all times collaborate and cooperate with the other arms of government, without compromising our Constitutional duties, in order for our democracy to thrive.

“As senators, our efforts must be focused on restoring hope, righting wrongs, and upholding our commitments to the well-being of our people. Together, fueled by a renewed spirit of fraternity, unity, and solidarity, we must move forward and cooperate generously for the common good.

“Throughout history, the spirit of cooperation has brought about tremendous progress. Let us pool our resources, talents, and ideas, while respecting our differences and convictions of conscience.

“At the same time, let us not forget those trapped in the cycle of poverty. Our fight against poverty and hunger must be total and relentless, addressing its root causes and restoring dignity to the marginalized.

“His Excellency, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and many fellow Nigerians are working tirelessly to tackle this issue. It is our duty to support and amplify their efforts. Let us support the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I am confident that we, as senators, can make a difference. We have been entrusted with an important role, and now is the time for courageous actions and strategies to drive this role.

“Together, let us implement a culture of care and an integrated approach to combat poverty, restore dignity to the downtrodden, and protect our precious natural resources.”

On insecurity and rising cost of utilities in the country, Akpabio said: “Shortly before we went on recess, our nation experienced events that shook our moral foundations. One of them was the callous ambush and murder of 17 soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in Delta State. This heinous act filled our hearts with deep sorrow, as it was one of the foulest deeds of our time.

“The scars it left behind will serve as a constant reminder, urging us to strive for justice, security, and a better world.

“No words can adequately express the depth of our grief, but let it be known that we are resolute in our determination to wage a war against insecurity to its logical conclusion.

“I urge the Executive Arm to spare no efforts in bringing those responsible for this heinous act to justice.

“We also witnessed the massive, fiery carnage on the East-West Road in Rivers State, which claimed five lives and caused destruction worth billions of Naira.

Read Also: Akpabio, Abbas, Dangote, others attend wedding of Kano, Bichi emirs’ children

“Additionally, other issues such as the increase in electricity tariffs and petroleum product prices demand our attention. These incidents remind us of the urgency and gravity of the challenges we face as a nation.

“But what can we learn from these incidents? The loss of our soldiers reminds us of the grave threats we still face from insecurity and terrorism.

“The tragic explosion in Port Harcourt, claiming innocent lives and causing widespread devastation, highlights the urgency of addressing safety measures and ensuring the well-being of our citizens.

“The increase in tariffs and prices emphasizes the pressing need to address issues of affordability, inflation, and the overall well-being of our economy.

“These events, among others, reinforce the fact that our nation is confronted with multifaceted challenges.

“They highlight the urgency and gravity of the issues we must confront, calling for our collective efforts to find sustainable solutions.”

…seeks sustainable reforms

Senate president Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, April 24, said that the National Assembly is aware of delays and a backlog of cases plaguing the judiciary “which not only deny timely justice but undermine faith in our judicial system.”

Akpabio urged the Nigerian Judiciary to evolve a blueprint for the transformative changes needed to enhance judicial efficiency and ensure the fair administration of justice across the nation.

Akpabio spoke at the opening session of a two-day Summit on: “Enhancing Justice Delivery in Nigeria” organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other international development partners in Abuja.

A statement by the special assistant on media/communication to the Senate president, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator Akpabio to have said that the “collaborative efforts of stakeholders will shape the strategic direction of Nigeria’s justice system, making it more robust, accessible, and equitable.”

According to Akpabio, “In the coming months, I will invite my colleagues in the Senate and the House of Representatives to deliberate on these proposals with the gravity and diligence they deserve.

“Together, with the insights and support of the judiciary, legal experts, and the Nigerian populace, we will embark on this legislative journey to enshrine these reforms into law.

“This is more than a legislative duty; it is our moral imperative to fortify the foundation of our nation’s justice system for present and future generations. I look forward to productive discussions and the eventual realization of these reforms, ensuring a just, equitable, and prosperous society for all.

“I will not be telling the truth if I say that we at the National Assembly are not aware of the delays and backlogs plaguing our courts, which not only deny timely justice but undermine faith in our judicial system.

“These delays harm our society’s most vulnerable and create an environment where justice is seen as inaccessible and inefficient.

“In an era where technology has transformed so many sectors, it is critical that we harness its potential within our judicial processes to enhance speed and transparency.

Read Also: Akpabio: Onakoya’s achievement typical of Nigeria’s spirit of determination, resilience

“We are committed to budgeting for the implementation of judicial reforms that will include the adoption of digital tools to manage cases more effectively and ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied.

“This journey requires collective effort. I call upon all stakeholders, including my colleagues in both the legislative and executive branches, as well as the judiciary itself, to support these vital reforms. Together, we can build a justice system that is fit for the 21st century,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shetima, said the administration has embarked upon far-reaching reforms to enhance justice delivery including the appointment of the full complement of the Justices of the Supreme Court.

Other stakeholders who presented papers at the Summit included the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN among others.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has named President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio as a member of the Preparatory Committee for the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament 2025.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate President, Jackson Udom, said Akpabio’s nomination was contained in a letter signed by the General Secretary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Martin Chungong and addressed to the Senate President.

 The nomination letter reads: “I wish to congratulate you upon your nomination as a member of the Preparatory Committee for the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament (2025) and to invite you to a first meeting of the Preparatory Committee at IPU Headquarters in Geneva on 16-17 May 2024.

 “As you are aware, every five years since 2000, the Inter-Parliamentary Union has convened a World.

Conference of Speakers of Parliament. The Conferences are organized in close cooperation with the United Nations and aim to reinforce the parliamentary dimension in the work of the UN and to bridge the democracy gap in international relations.

“At the recently concluded 148th IPU Assembly, further to consultations with Member Parliaments and the Geopolitical Groups, the composition of the Preparatory Committee for the 2025 Speakers’ Conference was endorsed by the IPU governing bodies.

“I expect that three meetings of the Preparatory Committee will be held between May 2024 and the Speakers’ Conference which is tentatively scheduled to take place from Wednesday 30 July 2025 to Friday 1 August 2025 and preceded by the Summit of Women Speakers in Bern on Tuesday 29 July.7.

“Preparations for the Speakers’ Conference are spearheaded by a Preparatory Committee

composed of some 20 Speakers of Parliament, a select number of representatives of the IPU

Executive Committee, and the senior representative of the UN Secretary-General.”

 The release stated further that,” the Preparatory Committee usually meets four times during the 18-month preparatory period, with the fourth and  final meeting taking place on the eve of the Conference.”

 Other members of the committee include: Dr. Tulia Ackson, President of the IPU; Mr. Brahim Boughali, President, National People’s Assembly, Algeria; Ms. Carolina Cerqueira, Speaker, National Assembly, Angola; Mr. Adama Bictogo, Speaker, National Assembly, Côte d’Ivoire; Mr. Godswill Akpabio, President, Senate, Nigeria.

Read Also: IPU nominates Akpabio, 15 others to prepare for World Conference of Speakers

Others are: Arab Group, Mr. Rachid Talbi El Alami, Speaker House of Representatives, Morocco, Ms. Hamda bint Hassan Al-Sulaiti, Deputy Speaker, Shura Council, Qatar, Asia Pacific Group, Mr. Milton Dick, Speaker, House of Representatives, Australia, Ms. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury.

“Speaker, Parliament, Bangladesh, Mr. Zhao Leji; Chairman, National People’s Congress, China, Eurasia Group, Mr. Alen Simonyan,Chairman National Assembly, Armenia,Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, Chairwoman, National Assembly, Azerbaijan Group of Latin America and the Caribbean, Ms. Victoria Eugenia Villarruel, President Senate, Argentina, Mr. Manzoor Nadir Speaker, National Assembly, Guyana Ms. Marcela Guerra Castillo, among others.

The statement informed the nominees to note that, “at your first meeting in May, you will have an opportunity to engage with fellow Speakers and discuss matters relating to the time and venue of the 2025 Speakers’ Conference, its main objective, general

format, themes, and expected outcomes.

 “I very much hope that you can join us for this important meeting and look forward to working closely.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged the full cooperation and support of the National Assembly for better policing of Nigeria.

Akpabio made the pledge at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony which held on Monday evening in Abuja, according to a statement by his special assistant on Media, Jackson Udom in Abuja.

Akpabio told the audience which included Vice President Kashim Shettima that “as the leader of the National Assembly, I pledge our full cooperation and support for the better policing of Nigeria.

“We recognise the importance of a well-equipped and motivated police force in ensuring the security and well-being of our citizens.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to provide the necessary legislative framework and resources to enable the police to carry out their duties effectively.”

The Senate President commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the entire leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for organising the event and urged them to use the occasion to celebrate the achievements of the Nigeria Police Force and to reiterate the commitment to working together for a safer and more secured Nigeria.

Akpabio said: “I commend the Police for this maiden effort in organizing this awards ceremony. It is a testament to IGP Egbetokun’s commitment to giving honor to whom it is due.

“By recognizing the gallant, selfless and patriotic contributions of individual officers, we not only motivate them for higher performance but also reinforce the new policing agenda of the Force.

“This agenda focuses on internal ethical regeneration, restoration of professional standards and the enhancement of the anti-corruption drive.

“However, let us not ignore the challenges faced by the police in Nigeria. The ever-evolving landscape of crime and the increasing sophistication of criminal gangs pose significant obstacles.

“Moreso, as we honor the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones because a chain is as strong as its weakest link. It is crucial that we address these issues and work together to find solutions.

“The Police need the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to overcome these challenges and build a stronger and more effective Police Force.

“I congratulate the awardees who have excelled in their respective fields of policing. Their dedication, bravery and integrity have set them apart and made them deserving of this recognition.

“I commend each and every one of them for their outstanding performance and commitment to the service of our nation. I urge them to remember that to whom much is given, much is expected.

In addition to the awards given on various aspects of policing, posthumous awards in memorial recognition of the fallen heroes were given to the seven police personnel killed at Ugheli forest in Delta State on 20th February, 2024.

Read Also: Akpabio challenges South-South APC state chairmen to grow party

Representatives of the families of the deceased received the awards as well as cheques for their entitlements.

Akpabio, while making the presentation of the posthumous awards on behalf of the Nigeria Police, announced that he would support each of the families with one million naira to pay their way back home while the Senate as an institution made a commitment to support the families of the deceased with N20 million.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf also announced a donation of N20 million to support the families of the deceased.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima commended the Senate President and Kano State Governor for their “show of empathy” to the affected families.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Sunday, April 14, charged the All Progressives Congress (APC) state chairmen in the south-south geo-political zone to work hard to extend the party’s control and reach to more states instead of one.

At the moment, Cross River is the only state in the south-south region having an APC governor.

Akpabio gave the charge while receiving in courtesy, APC chairmen from the south south region, in Abuja, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom.

Akpabio, who noted that he understood the challenges being faced by the chairmen, assured them that, “In the days ahead, a meeting of critical stakeholders comprising state chairmen, National Assembly members, ministers and other appointees from the region would be convened to work out modalities to support the party at various state chapters, as a way of engendering unity and understanding, among all party members and to foster social cohesion between the party and elected/appointed officials in Government.”

Read Also; How governors usurp Ifa’s role in choice of traditional rulers

He commended the APC chairmen for their visit and used the opportunity to intimate them of the plans of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration towards the economic prosperity for Nigeria as a whole and south south in particular.

 The Senate President thanked President Tinubu for the Lagos/Calabar coastal road, describing it as very visionary.

He went further to inform the chairmen that he personally inspected the on-going construction of the project with the Minister of Works in Lagos before returning to Abuja.

In his brief remarks on behalf of his colleagues,  the Cross River State chairman of the APC, Alphonsus Eba, commended the harmonious working relationship between the Senate President and the only Governor from the zone, Senator Bassey Otu and their spouses.

Expressing solidarity with the President of the Senate, he recounted that the south-south geo political zone last had the seat of Senate President in 1979, 45 years ago.

The chairmen declared their total support for Akpabio’s commitment towards the infrastructural development of the area especially the on-going Lagos – Calabar Coastal road and railway line being embarked upon by the Tinubu administration.

According to Eba, “the completion of this project within record time would immortalise President Tinubu in the hearts of the people of the region.”

He, therefore, appealed to the President of the Senate, not to be distracted by the antics of the opposition as the Lagos/Calabar coastal road project is the most ambitious and laudable project, ever to have been embarked upon as a reward for a region that is contributing blood and oxygen to the nation’s economic survival.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has told his constituents to “relax” because “things are getting better.”

He assured the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District of his commitment to their welfare in appreciation of their total support for him, President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in  last year’s elections.

Akpabio made these assertions in his country home, Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom while briefing his constituents on the journey so far as their representative in the Red Chamber.

The highpoint of the constituency briefing was the distribution of over 10,000 bags of rice and other essentials for his constituents from the wards to the local governments.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying, “I am here once again, to thank you for standing by me, our President and the party, before, during and even after last year’s elections. I have come to say thank you and also bring Renewed Hope to you all.

“As the President is doing his own, the Senate President is also doing his bit and being complemented by the state governor, Akwa Ibom would be the better for it.

“We have finished elections and politics, we are now into governance. The governor of the state must touch you, because he is the governor of all the people in the state irrespective of political affiliation.

“As I am touching you now from the political angle, I will also touch the state without any political party affiliation. Most of the projects we are putting in place would be used by people resident in the state. Relax, things are getting better.”

Read Also: Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene @60: Akpabio unveils plans for church

The former Governor assured his constituents that his current position as the Senate President would be used for the development of the State in collaboration with the President and the Akwa Ibom Governor.

He said: “This Senate President is not the one that would be fighting the state government. I will collaborate with President Ahmed Tinubu, I will collaborate with Governor Umo Eno, to make the state better for us all. We cannot be out of government for a long time. You have to go to a government that carries you along.”

Akpabio promised to work for his constituents and Nigeria with all his strength, noting “as the President of the Senate, I am for the Southern region and the entire country. I may not come here regularly to tell you what I have been doing for you, but you will be feeling the impact one way or the other.

“Our unemployed youths would be gainfully employed. I will construct a mini-stadium in all the local governments in the district, for our youths to develop their sporting potentials.”

• Breaks fast with Muslim colleagues

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Monday evening, had Iftar (breaking of fast) with his Muslim colleagues, in Abuja.

Akpabio, at the occasion which was also attended by some Christian senators, said “religion cannot divide us.”

The Senate President stressed that it was not a mere coincidence that the Christian Lent and Muslim Ramadan periods came up again same time.

He said it was to show that even though Muslims and Christians have different religions, they both have only one God.

Akpabio said: “It is not a coincidence that God is merging the fasting of the Muslims and that of Christians together. This is about the second or third time it is happening.

“The intention is to show that we may have different religions, but we have only one God and that God is the Supreme God that looks after all of us.

“So to the glory of God, the invitation was for those of us who are still around. Those who have not yet gone to Saudi Arabia particularly for these last 10 days of Ramadan, that we should meet and break the fast together.

Read Also: Religion cannot divide us, says Akpabio

“And of course, we also invited the Christian Senators to come. For them, it’s a celebration of the Easter period. Coming together is all that we need. We need to continue to work together as brothers and sisters of the one Almighty God, for the benefit of our dear country. Religion cannot divide us.

“No matter the turmoil, no matter the political disagreement, even families do disagree. But we must bear one thing in mind, that we are serving humanity and we are serving humanity through Almighty God and that one day, we shall leave this world to go and account for our deeds while we were on earth. I think that is the guiding principle.

“For every human being, there is a time to be born. There is a time to go. And this period of Ramadan, this period of Easter, reconnect us with God so that we know that we are not in this world for nothing.

“He sends us here for a purpose and that purpose is to live in peace with one another, love one another, pray together, work for one another to ensure progress for humanity.

“So, on departing, we would have left legacies, an imprint that yes, we were here and others will take over from us. My prayer tonight is that God should enable us to leave a better future for all Nigerians.”

Responding on behalf of others, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, thanked the Senate President for inviting them to have Iftar with him.