Senator Godswill Akpabio is the new Senate President, succeeding Ahmad Lawan.
He was declared the winner of the election into the Senate Presidency on Tuesday, beating his rival, former Governor Abdulaziz Yari.
Akpabio scored 63 votes to emerge winner as against Yari, who scored 46 votes.
Akpabio, former governor of Akwa Ibom was the nominee of the ruling All Progressives Congress to lead the 10th National Assembly.
His deputy is Senator Barau from Kano state. He was elected unopposed.
Senator Godswill Akpabio has emerged the 10th President of the Senate after defeating Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
The representative of Akwa Ibom North Senatorial District emerged as the leader of the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Akpabio, the anointed candidate of the All-Progressives Congress, secured 63 votes from the available 109 to emerge the winner of the contest.
Did Yari stepped down for Akapbio?
Well, A support group, popularly known as Coalition For Good Governance and Democracy announced on Monday that Senator Abdulaziz Yari has finally stepped down for Senator Godswill Akpabio, to emerge President of the 10th Senate on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
The convener of the group, Prince Kassim Afegbua made the disclosure in a statement he personally signed on behalf of the group on Monday, June 12, 2023
The statement read in full:
AT LAST, YARI STEPS DOWN
After concerted effort by chieftains of the APC, and leaders of the Party, Senator Yari has finally stepped down for Senator Godswill Akpabio, who has been the choice of the APC. Yari has finally bowed to pressure based on pressure on him to drop his ambition or face EFCC probe over the way and manner he’s alleged to be spending huge resources. He was prevailed upon to drop his ambition as a middle road position, as he was reminded that he cannot afford to be on parallel lines with the President. Those who are close to Senator Yari had to send emissaries to the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant Yari a soft landing, following his earlier failure to bow to rapprochement.
As it stands now, Senator Godswill Akpabio may emerge as consensus candidate barring any last minute change of mind of Senator Yari.
His close associates were said to have prevailed on him to respect the President of the country and the Party, in order to avoid any altercation that may impugn on the stability of the party. Congratulations to Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio.
It will be recalled that South-South leaders on Friday called on Senators-Elect to better understand what is at stake and to have an enhanced commitment to work for the victory of Senator Godswill Akpabio.
‘’Nigerians are looking to Senator Godswill Akpabio for leadership. They are looking to him for strength. The former Akwa Ibom State governor is in a unique position in his political career, with a unique set of experiences and insights for this moment in history. He has the skills and experiences to bring about meaningful change in the country.
The leaders also described Akpabio as a genuine patriot.
‘’We need a tested, seasoned, wise, strong, courageous, steady hand on the throttle. We need an experienced leader to have a firm hand on the controls. That is why we need Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President’’.
The leaders under the aegis of the South-South Front (SSF) praised Akpabio for serving remarkably during his first term in the National Assembly.
In a statement by the Chairman SSF, Chief John Harry, the leaders urged Abdulaziz Yari, Orji Uzor Kalu and others to throw in the towel.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio has become a force of nature in the country’s ruling party. His persistent and gritty determination projected confidence. He is the favourite. You can feel it in the country’’.
The prominent South-South leaders applauded Akpabio for growing stronger in the face of obstacles and opposition, setting the Niger Delta on a better course for the future.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio took the job of leading the Niger Delta through one of the most trying and difficult periods of change the region has known. He will move the Senate in a new direction and help to shape Nigeria’s future for the better’’.
The leaders also praised Akpabio for his understanding of issues and flexibility in thought.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is a thoughtful person, a man of sound judgement. As minister, he made a positive difference in a lot of ways. As governor, the list of his accomplishments is pretty solid’’.
The statement underscored credibility, integrity, Akpabio’s personality, and personal history.
The statement also emphasised faith, strength, composure, leadership and guidance.
‘’ Senator Godswill Akpabio is engaging, has a great sense of humour and is a strongly devoted family man’’.
Akpabio, a sincerely pleasant man with a bright smile and a winsome personality, is expected to be the country’s next senate president.
