By Abigail Philip David
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to remain patient with President Bola Tinubu as he works to revive the nation’s economy and improve the lives of citizens across all ethnic groups.
Speaking at his Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Program in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, Akpabio described the state of Nigeria’s economy before Tinubu’s 2023 election as being “on life support.” Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence in the president’s determination to restore the country’s economic stability.
“President Tinubu inherited a very bad situation. No one envied his position, yet he has shown determination to turn things around,” Akpabio said. “Let us encourage him to keep going. He transformed Lagos, and we believe he will do the same for Nigeria. With time, he will lead us to our El Dorado.”
He recounted a conversation with Tinubu about the state of the economy, saying, “I asked him, ‘Mr. President, are you excited after seeing the level of the economy left behind?’ He replied that he is determined to change the situation.”
Regional Development and Equity
Akpabio highlighted the president’s efforts to impact all regions through ongoing constituency projects and the establishment of regional commissions. He commended Tinubu for showing commitment to the South East by signing the South East Development Commission into law and allocating key ministries, including the Ministry of Works, to address pressing infrastructural needs.
“The South East faces significant ecological challenges and poor road networks, just like the South South,” Akpabio noted. “The president’s decision to allocate critical ministries like Works, Petroleum, and Gas is a testament to his commitment to addressing these challenges on a needs basis, not based on votes.”
He also appreciated Tinubu for allowing Akwa Ibom State to produce the Senate President, a position last held by the state in 1979.
Empowerment Initiatives
During the event, Akpabio distributed various empowerment items, including rice, vehicles, tricycles, generators, sewing machines, makeup kits, and cash transfers to support constituents. He said the initiative, backed by the president, was a way to thank the people for their votes and support.
Items distributed included:
– Bags of rice
– Fleets of cars
– Generating sets
– Deep freezers
– Tractors
– Tricycles and vans
– Motorcycles
– Sewing machines
– Makeup kits
– Cash transfers of ₦200,000 to 2,000 undergraduates
Akpabio also praised Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for fostering peace and unity. He acknowledged the governor’s gesture of sending 1,000 bags of rice to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during Christmas and reciprocated by directing the distribution of 1,500 bags of rice to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Peace is essential for development, and Governor Eno has embraced all Akwa Ibom people regardless of political affiliations. I appreciate his efforts and assure him of our continued support,” Akpabio said.
He urged beneficiaries to use the distributed items wisely and pledged to continue supporting efforts that promote peace and development in the state.
