Tag: Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has charged serving lawmakers – at the Federal and State levels – to deliver on their mandate by ensuring quality representation in all ramifications.

According to him, Nigeria will attain greatness if those in the lawmaking arm of government justify their election, by delivering tangible projects that will further boost the education sector.

The move, he said, will complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, and further spread the wave of development in the country.

Akpabio made these assertions in Kano at the 38th Convocation Ceremony of Bayero University Kano (BUK) during which honorary doctorate degrees were conferred on the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

According to a statement by  his media office in Abuja, Akpabio, also commended Senator Barau and Dr. Adesina, for their commitment to the ideals of democracy, by positively impacting their community, delivering laudable projects and seeking positive change in the country, as well as the greater good of Nigeria.

His words,: ”I share a deep passion for the development of the education sector, recognizing its fundamental role in societal progress and advancement.

“I, therefore, call upon all legislators in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to engage in healthy competition, striving to deliver tangible projects that will enhance the growth of the education sector.

“By doing so, we will contribute to the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in the education sector.

Read Also: Akpabio lauds Barau ondoctorate conferment

“In the National Assembly, Senator Barau has proven himself to be an exceptional politician, with a remarkable ability to unite and achieve results. He has tirelessly worked to improve the lives of his constituents and advocate for positive change in our nation. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and progress serves as an inspiration to our nation in general and the National Assembly in particular.

“We operate as a close-knit family in the 10th National Assembly, and it is with this familial spirit that we have all gathered here today to support Senator Barau and stand in solidarity with this esteemed university.

“Also, in for harvest today is Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB). He is a true patriot, who is consistently raising our nation’s flag high through his outstanding accomplishments. He embodies the indomitable spirit of Nigeria.

“A visionary banker, Dr Adesina has revolutionized the financial industry with his innovative ideas and steadfast leadership. His dedication to excellence and integrity has set a new standard for success in the business world. I congratulate him on the award of an honorary doctorate degree by this esteemed university.

“As we honour Senator Barau and Dr. Adesina today, let us remember the importance of service, leadership, and perseverance. Their achievements remind us that with hard work, determination, and a strong sense of purpose, anything is possible. Let their success be a beacon of hope for all of us as we embark on our own journeys towards greatness.”

The Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, on Friday, congratulated the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, on his conferment with a Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) by the Bayero University, Kano.

In a statement by his Spokesman, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President described Senator Barau as “A worthy brother.”

 He said the Deputy President of the Senate well deserved the honour bestowed on him by the university noting that “Senator Barau’s experience has continued to enrich legislation as we strive to contribute our quota to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.”

Read Also: N30b cash to governors: Akpabio’s comment misconstrued, says spokesman

 He said “On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, and the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I felicitate with one of the longest-serving legislators in the National Assembly; Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau CON, on his conferment with a Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) by the prestigious Bayero University (BUK), Kano.

“As this honour is being bestowed on you today, we pray for Almighty Allah’s protection for you, your family, your constituents, and the good people of Kano.”

It will be recalled that Senator Jibrin Barau and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina will on Saturday, March 2, 2024, be honoured by the Bayero University, Kano at its 38th convocation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said his statement that governors recently got N30 billion from the Federal Government to cushion the effects of hardship was misconstrued.

Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) had said the amount Akpabio claimed was incorrect.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his spokesman, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President said he held the governors in high esteem.

The statement reads: “In considering the well-intended motive of urging state governments to collaborate with the Federal Government of President Bola Tinubu to facilitate strategic interventions to mitigate the prevailing economic situation in the country remains the underpinning motivation in the comment.

Read Also: Akpabio’s comment on N30bn to Govs misconstrued, says spokesman 

“The President of the Senate is not oblivious to the fact that State governments are functional partners in all the efforts of the current administration of President Bola Tinubu and are also valuable stakeholders in the various legislative engagements of the legislature in creating the nexus between the legislature and the people.”

“The President of the Senate has always demonstrated commitment to team building and shall not do less in the circumstance.

“He, therefore, urges the sub-national governments not to be distracted by any misunderstanding of the context and true meaning of the statement.

“The President of the Senate recognizes and appreciates the current efforts of the governors at ameliorating the adverse effects of the current inclement socio-economic environment and therefore invites more hands on the plow to complement the renewed hope agenda.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s statement that Governors recently received N30billion from the federal government to cushion the effects of hardship was misconstrued, his spokesman, Hon Eseme Eyiboh has said.

Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) denied receiving such amounts. 

Eyiboh, in a statement in Abuja, said the Senate President holds Governors in high esteem.

He said Akpabio urged the “sub-national governments not to be distracted by any misunderstanding of the context and true meaning of the statement.”

The statement reads: “The office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to various misconceptions in the public domain on the statement credited to the President of the Senate in plenary of Wednesday, February 21, 2024, during the presentation of a report of the joint Committees on Finance, Agriculture/Food Sufficiency, Banking and Insurance.

“During the session the President of the Senate commented on the payment of an unverified cumulative sum of about N30billion to the sub-national governments by the Federal Government for various interventions to ameliorate the food situation of our citizens at the sub-national governments.

“The unfortunate conjectures to take away the kernel in the material facts of FAAC payment are rather regretted.

Read Also: Akpabio lauds Nigerian Navy over increased oil production

“In considering the well-intended motive of urging State Governments to collaborate with the Federal Government of President Bola Tinubu to facilitate strategic interventions to mitigate the prevailing economic situation in the country remains the underpinning motivation in the comment.

“The President of the Senate is not oblivious to the fact that State governments are functional partners in all the efforts of the current administration of President Bola Tinubu and are also valuable stakeholders in the various legislative engagements of the legislature in creating the nexus between the legislature and the people.

“The President of the Senate has always demonstrated commitment to team building and shall not do less in the circumstance.

“He therefore urges the sub-national governments not to be distracted by any misunderstanding of the context and true meaning of the statement.

“The President of the Senate recognizes and appreciates the current efforts of the governors at ameliorating the adverse effects of the current inclement socio-economic environment and therefore invites more hands on the plow to complement the renewed hope agenda.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has attributed the current increase in oil production in the oil-producing region of the country, to the tireless efforts of the Nigerian Navy in curbing crude oil theft.

Akpabio,  stated this over the weekend, in his address at the Dinner Night in honour of officers of Flag Rank retired in 2023, held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, according to a statement by his media aide, Jackson Udom, assured the Nigerian Navy of the support of the Senate for their continued success.

He noted that “the numerous arrests of ships and individuals involved in illegal bunkering, destruction of illegal refining sites, smuggled goods and narcotics as well as the increase in oil production in Nigeria, attest to the tireless efforts of the Navy in combatting the nefarious activities undermining Nigeria’s economy.”

Read Also; Can SON labs checkmate generator, transformer counterfeiters?

According to Akpabio, “Nevertheless, I still challenge the Nigerian Navy to persevere and double her efforts in safeguarding the Nigerian Maritime environment. The nation looks up to you and expects nothing short of professionalism which you have exhibited thus far. Be assured that the National Assembly will support you with all the processes needed to succeed.

“I am most delighted to be in your midst this evening as the Special Guest of Honour for this dinner night in honour of officers of Flag Rank retired in 2023. It is indeed an event to commemorate the meritorious service of you retired senior officers.

 “This occasion allows us to reflect upon the extraordinary Service and profound dedication demonstrated throughout your illustrious careers.

“I am convinced that the working principles you garnered while in Service, such as discipline, selflessness, and loyalty would provide you a veritable platform in your new endeavours.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has credited the recent surge in oil production in Nigeria’s oil-producing region to the diligent efforts of the Nigerian Navy in combating crude oil theft.

Akpabio made these remarks over the weekend during his address at the Dinner Night honouring officers of Flag Rank who retired in 2023.

The event took place at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.

According to a statement from his media aide, Jackson Udom, Akpabio assured the Nigerian Navy of the Senate’s steadfast support for their ongoing achievements.

He noted: “The numerous arrests of ships and individuals involved in illegal bunkering, destruction of illegal refining sites, smuggled goods and narcotics as well as the increase in oil production in Nigeria, attest to the tireless efforts of the Navy in combatting the nefarious activities undermining Nigeria’s economy.

“Nevertheless, I still challenge the Nigerian Navy to persevere and double her efforts in safeguarding the Nigerian Maritime environment. The nation looks up to you and expects nothing short of professionalism which you have exhibited thus far. Be assured that the National Assembly will support you with all the processes needed to succeed.

“I am most delighted to be in your midst this evening as the Special Guest of Honour for this dinner night in honour of officers of Flag Rank retired in 2023. It is indeed an event to commemorate the meritorious service of you retired senior officers.

“This occasion allows us to reflect upon the extraordinary Service and profound dedication demonstrated throughout your illustrious careers. I am convinced that the working principles you garnered while in Service, such as discipline, selflessness and loyalty would provide you a veritable platform in your new endeavours.

“Before your retirement from Service, you all devoted yourselves to the protection and defence of our dear nation’s maritime environment which has been volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Indeed, your selfless sacrifices have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Navy, the Armed Forces, and the nation as a whole.”

Akpabio also noted that “this speech will however not be complete without remembering your colleagues who lost their lives in the line of maritime operations. As for them, we pray for eternal rest.

“Throughout your careers, you have faced countless challenges, displaying resilience and adaptability in navigating the ever-evolving modern world. Despite these challenges, you made a deliberate effort to address the myriad of security threats bedeviling our maritime environment.

“Your unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Navy has inspired generations of Service members following. Your leadership and experience will undoubtedly be missed.

“Nonetheless, we are assured that you will continue to contribute towards the development of the Nigerian Navy and the country at large, particularly within this period where Nigeria requires bespoke strategies to its security challenges.”

Read Also: Akpabio leads FG’s delegate to Namibia president’s funeral

Speaking further, Akpabio said: “Pertinently, I want to sincerely commend the relentless support of your spouses throughout your illustrious Service in the Nigerian Navy. I urge the spouses to continue with their support even in retirement.

“Let me once again, commend the Chief of the Naval Staff for his efforts at organising this epoch-making send-off ceremony in honour of officers of Flag Rank who retired in 2023. I also thank you for inviting me as the Special Guest of Honour.

“I have really enjoyed myself and will depart here with a memory of a Navy that is not only operationally competent but also very hospitable. As it is said in the Nigerian Navy, Fair Winds, Following Seas and Onward Together.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Rivers State chapter has called on the Senate President, Senator Godswil Akpabio, to mind his utterances in order not to overheat the already tensed political atmosphere in the state

The party’s Publicity Secretary in Rivers, Tambari Sydney Gbara, spoke in a reaction to Akpabio’s earlier remarks at an event in Port Harcourt where he appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, to look for somebody from the Ogoni extraction to take over from Governor Siminialayi Fubara.

Tambari argued that in as much as he believed in the Ogoni governorship project, it  was not the right time for Akpabio to make such utterances considering  the tense political atmosphere in the state and the fact that election was still very far away.

The party’s Spokesperson explained that Fubara enjoyed immense support from the Ogonis, whom he described as good neighbours to the people of Opobo and also in the same Senatorial District.

He disclosed that Fubara had started the development of Bori town, the headquarters of Ogoni people with the ongoing construction of the internal roads in the city including other peoples oriented projects.

He said: “The Senate President, who is a notable leader in the Southsouth region is expected to make utterances that will calm the already tense political situation in the state and not one that will aggravate it.

“Senator Akpabio’s statement knowing fully well that there is a sitting governor in the state, is demeaning of the office of the governor, which he would not have tolerated in his time as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara Governor of Rivers State is the leader of the PDP  and will choose his successor at the end of his tenure,  with the support of Rivers people as the former governor did in his own time.

Read Also: Akpabio tasks security chiefs on intelligence-gathering

Tambari said at a time when people were passing through excruciating pains, sufferings, hardship and hunger following the bad state of the nation’s economy, the senate president chose to make comments to provoke majority of Rivers people resolute in their support for the present administration, led by Sir Sim Fubara.

He said: “It would have been better if the Senate President had said things that would encourage them to continue believing in the “Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather than talking about 2027 election, which clearly shows that the Senate President does not care about the welfare of Nigerians.”

The PDP Publicity Secretary, Sydney Gbara advised Rivers People to ignore Akpabio’s statement and continue to stand with Fubara and support his dream of taking Rivers to an enviable height.

He also appealed to the people not to allow themselves to be provoked, but rather pray for Mr President to have wisdom and understanding to pilot the country out of the bad economic situation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has challenged security executives to be mindful of intelligence gathering in any operation, saying this would enhance the security of lives across Africa.

Senator Akpabio gave the charge when he addressed the faculty members and participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 of the National Institute for Security Studies who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Participants for the course are drawn from 30 security-related agencies in Nigeria and five African countries of Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Ghana, The Gambia and Rwanda and would undertake a ten-month course on the theme, “Artificial intelligence, security and emerging economies in Africa: challenges and prospects.”

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the Senate President, Anietie Ekong quoted Senator Akpabio as imploring the participants to deploy the knowledge gathered at the course to bring about security of not just West Africa but of Africa and the global community in general.

According to Senator Akpabio, “Be mindful of the need for intelligence. It is extremely important in any operation. Today, we are faced with insecurity across the globe, from Gaza to Ukraine, Iraq and some of our neighbouring countries which are suffering from disrupted democracies. There is also the issue of cross-border banditry and kidnapping, Boko Haram, insurgencies and all sorts of insecurities around the world.

Read Also: Makinde attacks Akpabio over N30b claim

“That is why you are here and it is expected that with the knowledge that you have gathered as participants in the course when you go back to your duty posts, things will be different,” Senator Akpabio said.

Senator Akpabio took the course participants through the workings of the parliament as the Chairman of the National Assembly, from lawmaking to oversight functions.

In his address, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the National Institute for Security Studies, Mr D. E. Egbeji, thanked Senator Akpabio for always identifying with the Institute since his days as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and having a legacy project at the Institute and have at several times similarly hosted past participants of the Institute and even as a guest lecturer.

According to Egbeji, the Senate was chosen for the study because it is the engine room of any democracy and at the end of the course they would come up with a position paper to the President and Commander-in-Chief about their research on how the countries can deploy artificial intelligence for security.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Rivers State chapter has called on the Senate President, Godswil Akpabio, to mind his business and utterances in order not to overheat the already tense political atmosphere in the state

The party’s publicity secretary in Rivers, Tambari Sydney Gbara, spoke in reaction to Akpabio’s earlier remarks at an event in Port Harcourt where he appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to look for somebody from the Ogoni extraction to take over from Governor Siminialayi Fubara.

 Tambari argued that in as much as he believed in the Ogoni governorship project, it was not the right time for Akpabio to make such utterances considering the tense political atmosphere in the state and the fact that the election was still very far away.

The party’s spokesperson explained that Fubara enjoyed immense support from the Ogonis, whom he described as good neighbours to the people of Opobo and also in the same Senatorial District.

He disclosed that Fubara had started the development of Bori town, the headquarters of the Ogoni people with the ongoing construction of the internal roads in the city including other people-oriented projects.

He said:  “The Senate President, who is a notable leader in the Southsouth region is expected to make utterances that will calm the already tensed political situation in the state and not one that will aggravate it.

Read Also: Emefiele threatens Akpabio with N25bn lawsuit over alleged defamation

“Senator Akpabio’s statement knowing fully well, that there is a sitting governor in the state, is demeaning of the office of the governor, which he would not have tolerated in his time as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara Governor of Rivers State is the leader of the PDP and will choose his successor at the end of his tenure, with the support of Rivers people as the former governor did in his own time”.

Tambari said at a time when people were passing through excruciating pains, suffering, hardship and hunger following the bad state of the nation’s economy, the senate president chose to make comments to provoke the majority of Rivers people to resolute in their support for the present administration, led by Sir Sim Fubara.

He said: “It would have been better if the Senate President had said things that would encourage them to continue believing in the “Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather than talking about the 2027 election, which clearly shows that the Senate President does not care about the welfare of Nigerians”.

The PDP Publicity Secretary, Sydney Gbara advised Rivers People to ignore Akpabio’s statement and continue to stand with Fubara and support his dream of taking Rivers to an enviable height.

He also appealed to the people not to allow themselves to be provoked, but rather pray for Mr President to have wisdom and understanding to pilot the country out of the bad economic situation.