ABUJA, Nigeria – Godswill Akpabio, the newly-elected President of the Nigerian 10th Senate, has pledged to cooperate with all senators regardless of their political differences.
Akpabio, who is also the former governor of Akwa Ibom State and the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, made this promise in his acceptance speech following his election to the top legislative position.
In a hotly contested election, Akpabio won the seat with 63 votes, defeating his closest rival, Abdullaziz Yari, who scored 46 votes.
The inauguration of the 10th Senate and the election of its presiding officers took place on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Abuja.
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In his speech, Akpabio underscored the importance of diversity in a democratic system, saying, “Expressions of differing and opposing opinions and views are but the fabric that democracy is made of.”
He assured that his leadership would ensure the Senate’s robust performance in law-making and oversight of the executive.
He commended the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to building a strong and robust economy, noting that the President’s recent actions signified a keen understanding of the challenges faced by the Nigerian people.
“I am pleased, as I am sure that you too are, that we have in His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is committed to a strong economy, national security, and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.
In his conclusion, Akpabio stated that the 10th Senate would prioritize laws emphasizing economic viability and pledged to cooperate with the executive to provide the necessary legislative framework.
