…calls on Senators-elect to vote for Akpabio
By Ime Silas
Ahead of Tuesday’s inauguration and election of principal officers of the 10th National Assembly, Senators-elect across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have been urged to consider capacity and further strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy while electing their Principal Officers.
This call was made by the leadership and members of Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society (AWCS), Akwa Ibom State Chapter in a message of felicitations on the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day Celebrations. The message which was addressed to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was routed through the front line aspirant for the Presidency of the 10th Senate and Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District; His Excellency, Distinguished Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio.
The message which was signed by the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of AWCS; Dr. (Mrs.) Theresa Edem on behalf of the South-South Grand Patron, State Executive Council, Chapter Executives and entire members said their decision to support Akpabio’s Senate leadership aspiration was informed by their belief in his tested and proven capacity to lead the National legislature for the betterment of all Nigerians.
The message dated June 12, 2023 reads thus in parts “As Nigerians mark Democracy Day today, June 12, 2023, I, on behalf the State Executive Council, South-South Grand Patron; Chief Sunny Ibanga, Chapter Executives and entire members of Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society (AWCS), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, do hereby write to felicitate with the President and Commander-In-Chief of The Armed Forces of The Federal Republic of Nigeria; His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on this auspicious occasion.
We also wish to congratulate the Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District and front line aspirant for the 10th Senate Presidency; His Excellency, Distinguished Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio on this occasion.
“As a foremost grassroots Women organization, Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society is fully in tune with political developments in Nigeria and our members have been active participants in the country’s democratic processes.
This year’s Democracy Day Anniversary Celebration is indeed very significant as it comes few days after a successful transition from one democratically elected administration to another. It is also very significant given that it is marked a day to the inauguration and election of Principal Officers of the National Assembly”
While calling on the Senators-elect to look beyond party affiliations and ethnic inclination, the women group urged the would-be members of the upper chamber of the National Assembly to consider capacity, fairness and equity in electing the next President of the Senate.
“As the Beacon of Democracy, the National Legislature can only get it right if it considers proven capacity in their choice of leadership. It is upon this premise that it becomes pertinent that we call on the Distinguished Senators-elect to vote for His Excellency, Chief (Dr) Godswill Obot Akpabio to emerge as next President of the Senate as they elect their Principal Officers tomorrow, 13th June, 2023.
“Our support for Sen. Akpabio goes beyond his superlative performance as governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015. It is a well-known and unassailable fact that Chief Akpabio represents ‘Uncommon Transformation’ wherever he goes.
As a gender-friendly governor, he transformed Akwa Ibom State from a pedestrian State to a choice destination. He gave Akwa Ibom women their rightful place in governance. As a Minister, Chief Akpabio transformed the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, uncommonly. The list is endless!
It is upon these premises that we passionately appeal to all the Senators-elect in Nigeria to vote for His Excellency, Distinguished Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio to emerge as President of the 10th Senate. Our belief is that a strong leadership of the National Assembly would further strengthen and deepen our democracy which we all celebrate today. Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians”.