Tag: Akpabio

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has hailed the decision of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Akwa Ibom state to collapse its structure into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This followed the defection of the YPP governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Senator Bassey Akpan, the state chairman of the party, Nyeneime Andy and other defectors to the APC.

Akpabio, who received the defectors at his Ukana, Essien Udim country home yesterday, said the development was quite spectacular because it was not an election year.

They said the collapse of the YPP structure in the state into APC was in recognition and appreciation of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in repositioning the country.

Akpabio said: “Thank you for recognizing the steps taken by the President, Bola Tinubu to reposition Nigeria and transform it for the better.

“I thank God that what the President is doing to salvage Nigeria is recognized even by the opposition parties.

“Elections are over and we are in full governance. If the country can see good governance in what the President is doing and the Senate President, who has brought all the senators across party lines to work together as one; there is a need to join us.

“What the YPP is doing today is very interesting because their decision to join the ruling party is coming when there are no general elections in view. This is an uncommon move.”

Speaking, Akpan explained that his decision to collapse his party structure to the APC has nothing to do with any intention to contest the election in 2027.

Read Also: Akpabio tasks Akwa Ibom APC chair on reconciliation

He said: “We have come to submit totally to your leadership, we have come to submit to the leadership of Mr President, whenever you call us, we like the ‘boys scouts’ will always be prepared.

“We have come to support you in delivering Akwa Ibom to APC because we believe that the new APC in Akwa Ibom will be 10 times stronger, with the merger of YPP.

“We came as YPP family to join the Senate President to promote unity in Akwa Ibom State and we assure you and the President that you have Akwa Ibom in your hands.

“I am the son that was sent out and I have come back with many sons. Your territory and coast is expanded more than can be imagined. I am optimistic that APC will take over power in Akwa Ibom come 2027. I am not here to contest any election but to support you to deliver Akwa Ibom to APC.”

• Says state would be delivered to APC in 2027

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called for immediate commencement of reconciliation within the rank and file of the party, noting that the party needed to be united towards the 2027 general elections, for better electoral outcomes.

He mandated Chairman of the party in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, to set up a reconciliation committee to address the differences rocking the party in the state.

Akpabio stated this on Friday while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo.

He vowed to reunite the party so that it would be positioned to take over the reins of government in the state in 2027.

Read Also: Ohanaeze restates support for Tinubu’s fight against corruption

According to Akpabio,” a situation where someone will be in one party and be working for another party will not be tolerated. We will make sure that APC in Akwa Ibom State is one, we will give people the option that either you belong to us or to them. There should not be any in-between. We are going to resolve all the issues in APC and also advise some people you can’t be here and there.

“I have mandated the chairman of the party to set up a reconciliation committee in the state, we have to bring our members together. If we are united, there is no barrier that we cannot break.”

“I pray against confusion among my leaders not in Uyo alone, but in all the senatorial districts. We must reconcile among ourselves.

On the 2027 elections, the number one lawmaker, expressed hope that APC, which is an opposition in the state, would emerge victorious, saying, “it would be an aberration for the number three citizen not to produce a governor from the same party at the end of an election. You know wherever the Senate President is, that is where the party is. Is it possible that Nigeria will give Akwa Ibom the number three citizen and at the end of the election, it will not produce an APC governor?” He queried.

Akpabio also blamed Uyo and Eket senatorial districts for not inviting him to their campaign during the last election, declaring that “there was nowhere I would have entered to campaign for the party, that the people wouldn’t have voted for us.”

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has vowed to ensure that the governorship seat of Akwa Ibom state would be won by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

This is even as he called for immediate commencement of reconciliation within the rank and file of the party, noting that the party needed to be united towards the 2027 general elections, for better electoral outcomes.

He mandated the chairman of the party in Akwa Ibom state, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, to set up a reconciliation committee to address the differences rocking the party in the state.

Akpabio stated this on Friday while addressing a Stakeholders’ Meeting in Uyo, according to a statement by his media aide, Jackson Udom.

He vowed to reunite the party so that it would be positioned to take over the reins of government in the state in 2027.

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According to Akpabio: “A situation where someone will be in one party and be working for another party will not be tolerated. We will make sure that APC in Akwa Ibom State is one, we will give people the option that either you belong to us or to them. There should not be any in-between. We are going to resolve all the issues in APC and also advise some people you can’t be here and there.

“I have mandated the chairman of the party to set up a reconciliation committee in the state, we have to bring our members together. If we are united, there is no barrier that we can not break.

“I pray against confusion among my leaders not in Uyo alone, but in all the senatorial districts. We must reconcile among ourselves.”

On the 2027 elections, the number one lawmaker, expressed hope that APC, which is an opposition in the state, would emerge victorious, saying, “It would be an aberration for the number three citizen not to produce a governor from the same party at the end of an election. You know wherever the Senate President is, that is where the party is. Is it possible that Nigeria will give Akwa Ibom the number three citizen and at the end of the election, it will not produce an APC governor?” he queried.

Akpabio also blamed Uyo and Eket senatorial districts for not inviting him to their campaign during the last election, declaring that “there was nowhere I would have entered to campaign for the party, that the people wouldn’t have voted for us.”

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has said that he is serving Nigeria with the same enthusiasm he served as governor of Akwa Ibom state.

Speaking in Eket during a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District, Akpabio noted that President Bola Tinubu has outlined various policy thrusts to ensure the improvement of lives of citizens.

He noted that as the head of the legislative arm of government, it was important that he galvanized the support of members of the National Assembly to ensure a synergy that would promote peace and progress in the country.

Akpabio noted that the target of democracy was harnessing available resources to better the lives of the masses, adding that President Tinubu was working closely with him to achieve ultimate growth for the nation.

He called on leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to close ranks and work together for the common good of the people.

Speaking to the Executive Director of Project at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Sir Victor Antai, Godswill Akpabio enjoined him and all appointees of the party, to use their privileged offices to serve the interest of the party in the state and beyond. 

“You have the entire 12 local government areas to work on. And you have enough resources to carry the people along. I know you don’t eat alone. Let the people feel the impact of APC in Akwa Ibom State”, Akpabio told Antai.

“Is it not when I became governor that the people of Ibeno and Eket knew that they could have hospitals? As your governor, I gave you Akpabio-Mber (the 13th month salary for civil servants), I gave you free education; I sent you on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and to Mecca to pray for the state. 

Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Akpabio condoles Oyo govt, victims

“Those were part of the secrets of uncommon transformation. We assembled the largest choir on earth to sing to the glory of God. That was the event for which the state won the Guinness World Record.

“God has now sent me to Nigeria to do what I did for Akwa Ibom State. They used to call Akwa Ibom State the Land of Promise. But is it not when I became the governor that you started seeing the manifestations of those promises? 

“Of course, it was until I became a governor that I built and completed the International Airport, the Leo Meridian Hotels and Golf Resort, among others”, he listed.

He promised the people of the area that more appointments were coming, both from his office as President of the Senate, and directly from the office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking earlier at the event, the State Chairman of the party, Chief Philip Ntukekpo said it was a delightful opportunity to have the uncommon transformer, himself the pride of Akwa Ibom politics, manning the affairs of the second tier of government. 

Philip Ntukekpo who assured Senator Akpabio of the continued support of his partymen, submitted that the people were eager and ready to execute the directives of the Senate President. 

Also speaking at the event were the Executive Director Project of NDDC, Hon. Victor Antai; and the spokesperson of the Senate President, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, who both enjoined the people to sustain their support for the APC, as the party was waxing stronger to come out better in 2027.

Senate president, Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful despite the hard times they are experiencing as Christians celebrate Christmas.

He expressed optimism that the pains, which Nigerians are going through, occasioned by the removal of petroleum subsidy was for the good of everyone as the gains will manifest in the not distant future saying, “Our today’s pain will surely produce joyful gains in a very short time”

Akpabio, who made the call in a Christmas message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, admonished the Christian faithful “To pray, fast and be hopeful because with the birth of Jesus Christ, who is our symbol of hope, love and redemption, Nigeria will also overcome its current challenges.”

According to Akpabio, Christmas calls for reflection  on the teachings of Jesus Christ, which were anchored on love for neighbour, peaceful coexistence and loyalty to constituted authorities.

He said: “On behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and indeed the entire National Assembly, I wish to sincerely congratulate all our Christian brothers and sisters on the celebration of the feast of Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

“As you celebrate, I urge you not only to merry but also, continue to pray for our dear country Nigeria and our leaders, show love to one another and continue to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, especially his humility, sacrifice, love for neighbour and loyalty to God and constituted authority.”

He advised Nigerians not to give up on their leaders, particularly the present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saying, “I am confident that with your prayers and support, the current administration will wipe away your tears in the no distant time”.

He noted: “In this season of joy, may Jesus’ birth echo within us all, guiding our thoughts, our words, and our actions. May His hope reignite our spirits, encouraging us to spread love and kindness to those around us. Each small act of goodwill can illuminate a life, bringing light to the darkest corners of our world.

Akpabio said: “Christmas is a time when hope fills the air, when merriment and goodwill permeate our hearts. Yet, amidst the glittering lights and festive cheer, it is essential to remember the reason for this season – the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. In a world grappling with uncertainty, strife, and challenges, Jesus remains the beacon of hope, offering solace and assurance to all who seek Him.”

Senate president Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday, December 20, swore in a former governor of Plateau state and minister of labour and employment, Simon Lalong, as the senator representing Plateau South.

The Court of Appeal had declared Lalong as a validly elected lawmaker to represent Plateau South senatorial district.

Lalong had on Tuesday, December 19, formally resigned from the Federal Executive Council as minister.

The Clerk to the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance on Lalong on the directives of the Senate president.

He took the oath of office at about 11.57 am on the floor of the Senate.

Akpabio immediately congratulated and shook hands with Lalong, a former Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 presidential poll that produced President Bola Tinubu.

Lalong, who is also a former speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, had tendered his resignation to President Tinubu earlier on Tuesday.

Speaking after his inauguration, Lalong said he actually longed to be a senator after his tenure as governor in May 2023.

Read Also: What happened after birthday event, by Akpabio

He said: “This was my first choice, to be candid.”

According to him, he opted to hold the position of a minister in the interim and on the invitation of Tinubu because he had a case he was pursuing at the courts.

Lalong promised to do his best to serve his electorate to his human abilities.

The national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje was at the Senate Chamber to witness Lalong’s swearing-in.

Ganduje described the event as a moment of happiness.

He said: “This is a moment of happiness. We are so happy that he won at the Court of Appeal.

“What Nigerians will expect is good legislation. As we know the APC has the majority and will work for the prosperity of all Nigerians.”

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, had on November, 7, upheld the judgment of the lower tribunal, which declared Lalong the winner of the Plateau-South Senatorial District election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Napoleon Bali, as the winner.

Bali had scored 148,844 votes, while Lalong recorded 91,674, according to INEC.

But, Lalong challenged the result on the grounds that the PDP had no proper structure in the state on which a candidate could contest for an election.

Senate president Godswill Akpabio on Friday, December 15, explained how he was diagnosed of malaria and stress by his doctor after colloquium to celebrate his birthday in Abuja.

Akpabio, who spoke to the Senate Press Corps in his office said his doctor told him that he had malaria mingled with stress after he got home from the colloquium.

In his reaction to reports of his being rushed to the hospital, Akpabio said: “I have been reading through the social media but I’m happy the Press Corps did not join the show of propaganda.

“What eventually happened after the event was a show of humanity.

Read Also: Tinubu receives ambassadors, directs emphasis on new investments, trade expansion

“I went home and I called my doctors and I was assured that I have malaria, mingled with stress, which could also be described in another way as exhaustion.

“In fact,  anybody could be exhausted. Please, drink water daily so that you don’t get exhausted.

“This is to say that the work goes on. I want to assure Nigerians that the National Assembly is intact and we are still going on with our duty, our appropriation.

“We will resume on 20th December. But before then, the various committees must have finished their work to enable us meet the target to pass the budget before the end of the year for the President to append his signature.”