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Tag: Godswill Akpabio

  • Focus on lawmaking, not attacking Ex Gov Emmanuel – Group to Akpabio

    Focus on lawmaking, not attacking Ex Gov Emmanuel – Group to Akpabio

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Niger-Delta Youth Alliance for Good Governance has urged Senate President, Godswill Akpabio not to dissipate energy attacking former Akwa Ibom Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel at every given opportunity, but focus on making laws that would improve the lot of Nigerians.

    The group in a statement signed by its Chairman, Iniobong Ekpenyong and Secretary, Silas Etuk and made available to journalists in Uyo on Tuesday observed that the remarks made by Akpabio at his residence in Abuja when Governor Umo Eno and his entourage visited him and those made during a Thanksgiving Service/reception held by Mr. Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt, Rivers State were unwarranted and denigrating.

    The statement noted that Akpabio’s emergence as the Senate President was as a result of his hard work and track record of performance as a PDP Governor of Akwa Ibom urging him to rather partner with the present Governor of Akwa Ibom who is willing to draw federal presence to the state.

    “The Niger Delta Youth Alliance for Good Governance, however, frowns at some remarks made by Senator Akpabio concerning the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, particularly those made at his residence in Abuja when Governor Umo Eno and his entourage visited him and those issued during a Thanksgiving Service/reception held by Mr. Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    “We wish to advise the distinguished Senator to live up to the expectations of the Akwa Ibom people by liaising with the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno who has indicated interest to work with the Federal Government for the development of the State. Akpabio should rather make such an effort, his preoccupation.” It said.

    While commending Governor Umoh Eno for identifying with the Senate President for the development of Akwa Ibom State irrespective of political party leanings, the group advised Akpabio not to use the avenue to run down the former governor and cause a cold blood between the current Governor and his predecessor.

    The group observed that no Governor in Nigeria could protect his predecessor the former Governor protected and respected Akpabio when he left office recalling how the then governor Emmanuel blocked the anti-graft agency, the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) from probing Akpabio’s alleged 108 billion Naira fraud.

    “Mr. Udom Emmanuel has never been an enemy of Senator Godswill Akpabio and will never be one. Instead, he has demonstrated a leap of beneficence in protecting Akpabio’s image and his record of service.

    “It is on record that before and after the exit of Senator Akpabio from the PDP, Mr. Emmanuel cautioned his aides not to comment or write anything negative about Senator Akpabio, and anytime the opposition wrote negative stories about the Senate President, Mr. Udom Emmanuel’s media aides rose to Akpabio’s defense.

    “Fortunately, former Governor Udom Emmanuel has never insulted, abused, or denigrated Senator Akpabio in public or anywhere before. That is the level of regard Mr. Emmanuel has for Akpabio.

    “Available and self-explanatory records in the public domain show that Mr. Udom has protected Akpabio more than any Governor in Nigeria protected their predecessors in office, including Akpabio legacies.

    “Mr. Udom completed the majority of the projects started by Senator Akpabio. The Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road dualization project, the Ibom Airport, Four Point By Sheraton, and Ibom Tropicana are among numerous projects abandoned by Senator Akpabio which were completed by Mr. Udom. Mr. Udom also inherited and maintained the appointment of over 90 percent of Akpabio’s Aides and political associates.

    “Mr. Udom Emmanuel went further to do the unthinkable by resisting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for seven times from investigating the Akpabio administration, earning Udom a place in history as the first governor in Nigeria to challenge the powers of the EFCC to inquire into the finances of a State Government. These facts are public knowledge.” The statement read in parts.

    The group however urged the Senate President to be recompensed as to why God placed him in that position and ponder on various ways that he could work with Eno to help the state move forward and not to be obsessed with the thoughts of his successor who never abused him in the midst of provocations.

  • PDP chieftain faults Akpabio’s utterances against ex Gov Emmanuel

    PDP chieftain faults Akpabio’s utterances against ex Gov Emmanuel

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom, Mr Joesph Okon has expressed disappointment over recent utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio against ex Governor Udom Emmanuel.

    He has therefore appealed to the Akpabio to allow the peace and tranquility enjoyed in the last eight years of Emmanuel to continue under the incumbent administration in the state.

    Okon told journalists in Uyo yesterday that the Senate President should also advise his media aides against utterances that may heat up the state.

    According to the former Special Assistant on Projects to Emmanuel, “the remarks made by the Senate President against ex gov Udom Emmanuel which was widely published was not done in good faith. The incumbent governor visited him out of love and Joy that an illustrious son of our state has emerged the third citizen of the country.

    “It was a great opportunity for Akwa ibomites to bury every political difference because we saw the position as a blessing to the state but the godly act of the governor was misunderstood as Senator Akpabio saw the visit as an opportunity to verbally unleashed attack on ex governor Emmanuel.

    “He told the new governor that every effort he made to have audience with ex governor Emmanuel when he was a minister was rebuffed, and that his wife was also snubbed when she came to submit a letter for a courtesy visit to the ex governor.

    ” As an aide to the former Governor, I know from the benefit of hindsight that these are lies well known in the state as it was designed to demonize the immediate past governor Emmanuel. I believe that the ministry of NigerDelta Affairs has a proper channel of correspondence with the States in the region.

    ” I don’t think any of the channel include sending the former First Lady to come in person to submit letters. How will the immediate past governor knew that she is even coming in person to submit letters and directed that she be ignored , is he a spirit?.

    He further stated that, “the Senate President asked Governor Umo Eno not to be like his mentor and should not behave like him, will he like the new governor to behave the way he (Akpabio) behaved with Obong Victor Attah his predecessor whom he accused of leaving behind empty treasury less than 24 hours after assuming office and when Attah advised on the site of the Tropicana Project as a renowned Architect due to poor topography, he was thoroughly lashed in the Media with the then public letter ” What did Attah really want”.

    ” It was on record that he was furious with Emmanuel’s administration for collecting funds paid to the state by federal government for the federal projects done during his (Akpabio’s administration) without disclosing to him but the truth is that there is no law or constitutional provisions that mandated such disclosure to a former governor.

    ” As an aide to the Former Governor I can tell you people authoritatively that ex Governor Emmanuel continued paying salaries of all Akpabio’s staff for over one year after he (Akpabio) left office as governor and still availed the state governor’s private jet to him and his wife.

    “Ex governor Emmanuel’s prayers has been to have a successor that will treat him, the way he treated his predecessor.”

    According to him, “telling Governor Umo Eno not to inherit ex governor Emmanuel’s enemies is another unfortunate detour, Emmanuel didn’t come to government with enemies, he was not even in politics of the state. His administration earned massive goodwill. However trouble started when Akpabio wanted to unseat him in 2019 to deny him a second term.

    “I want to put it on record that ex governor Emmanuel never instructed, encouraged or supported anybody to insult the former Governor as alleged by Akpabio’s media aides.”

    He said that Senator Akpabio should be celebrating former governor Emmanuel for his courage in standing against the probe of his administration by many federal agencies following petitions written against him.

    “‘If ex governor Emmanuel didn’t sit on the petition and prevented federal agencies from probing Akpabio perhaps he would have been incarcerated and won’t be out to contest election. Ex governor Emmanuel did not only sit on the petitions but went to court to challenge the federal agencies right to go through the state account records a task he said is the exclusive right of the state House of Assembly.” He stated.

    He maintained that the only enemies ex governor Emmanuel has today are those who fought his choice of pastor Umo Eno as the successor stressing they are mainly Politicians who felt the seat should have rotate to them or the person’s they support.

    “In reality Ex governor Emmanuel has no real enemy thus asking Gov Umo Eno not to inherit Udom Emmanuel’s enemies means telling Gov Umo Eno to discard all those who stood by him to rise to the exalted office of the governor ” He concluded.

  • ‘I Feel Betrayed’ — Yari Reacts After Losing Senate Presidency To Akpabio

    ‘I Feel Betrayed’ — Yari Reacts After Losing Senate Presidency To Akpabio

    Two days after losing the senate presidency to Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, has alleged betrayal by some of his colleagues.

    Akpabio, former Akwa-Ibom State Governor and lawmaker representing Akwa Ibom North-West was the anointed candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He emerged as President of the 10th Senate on Tuesday after polling a total of 63 votes. Yari, also of the ruling party got 46 votes.

    Speaking during an interview on Thursday in Abuja, Yari claimed his permutations as of 3 am on Tuesday showed that he would get at least 61 out of the 109 votes available, which would have been enough to see him coast home to victory. Despite feeling betrayed by the turnout of events, the former Zamfara governor believed only God knew what transpired.

    “Yes, I can say there was a betrayal. That’s the truth because as we are taking stock as of 3 am, Monday-Tuesday election, we took stock of over 76. But as usual, human beings, we thought we are going to get a pullout of about 15 which we will have a comfortable 61 to win the election,” he stated.

    “But it’s become the reverse which only God knows what happened. So, I feel betrayed but life continues and it’s a cycle.”

    Asides from Akpabio, Senator Jibrin Barau, who represents Kano North Senatorial District, emerged unopposed as Senate Deputy President, succeeding Ovie Omo-Agege.

    Also, a member of the House of Representatives from Zaria Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, Tajudeen Abbas, was elected Speaker of the Green Chamber just as a member representing Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, Benjamin Kalu, became the Deputy Speaker.

  • Controversies Surrounding Nigeria’s New Senate President

    Controversies Surrounding Nigeria’s New Senate President

    Key Points of Controversies Surrounding Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s New Senate President

    Godswill Akpabio, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and current Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has been elected as the new Senate President of the 10th National Assembly. However, his victory has been overshadowed by various controversies and allegations surrounding his political career.

    Corruption Allegations:
    In June 2015, Akpabio was under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the alleged misappropriation of approximately N108 billion during his tenure as governor. No charges have been filed, and a petition filed against him by a lawyer and activist was later met with a defamation case against the petitioner.

    In May 2020, Akpabio faced another investigation by the national assembly regarding the alleged misappropriation of N40 billion from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He was accused of fueling the crisis between the National Assembly and the NDDC.

    In March 2023, the EFCC invited Akpabio over allegations of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds, but he cited a scheduled medical appointment overseas as the reason for his inability to honor the invitation.

    Sexual Harassment Allegation:
    Joy Nunieh, a former acting managing director of the NDDC, accused Akpabio of attempting to make her take an oath that would prevent her from exposing corruption within the commission. She also claimed that he sexually assaulted her, leading her to slap him at his guest house in Abuja. Akpabio denied the allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against Nunieh.

    Despite the controversies and allegations surrounding Akpabio, he emerged as the preferred candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Senate Presidency, defeating his sole challenger, Abdul’aziz Yari, a former Governor of Zamfara State, in a closely contested election. However, some senators from his party and various interest groups opposed his candidacy due to the aforementioned issues, including corruption allegations, alleged disrespect for the national assembly, and mismanagement of NDDC funds.

  • Senators-elect Urged by Shettima to Reject Vote Buying in the 10th National Assembly

    Senators-elect Urged by Shettima to Reject Vote Buying in the 10th National Assembly

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, during a valedictory session for members of the ninth Senate, advised incoming members of the 10th Senate to reject vote buying in the election of presiding officers, scheduled for Tuesday. He emphasized that it was crucial for the country’s best interests that the senators-elect exercise their civic duty and vote according to their conscience. The inauguration of the 10th National Assembly is set to take place on Tuesday, June 13. Shettima and other members of the ninth Senate were invited to participate in the session.Ensuring the independence of the legislature is vital for a robust democracy, and therefore, it is imperative that members-elect in both chambers are allowed to elect their leadership. The National Assembly represents the sovereignty of the people in a democratic system, where the choices made by their representatives hold great significance.

    According to Ologunagba, any attempt to appropriate the selection of presiding officers by any group or individuals would undermine the sovereignty of the people. He urged lawmakers-elect to assert their independence in the election of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    In a related development, there are emerging indications that supporters of Senator Godswill Akpabio are allegedly plotting to prevent former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, from contesting for the position of Senate President. Credible sources have suggested that the Akpabio group has been using various tactics, including cajoling, intimidating, and blackmailing Yari, in an attempt to make him withdraw from the race for the Senate Presidency.

  • PDP Chieftain, Iniama Roots for Akpabio’s Senate Presidency

    PDP Chieftain, Iniama Roots for Akpabio’s Senate Presidency

    Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    Foremost guber aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party,(PDP) in Akwa Ibom, Mr. James Iniama has called on President Bola Tinubu and Senators-elect to think Nigeria above all considerations by addressing equity and fairness in the distribution of principal offices of the Senate.

    Iniama in an interaction with journalists in Uyo yesterday called for the Senate Presidency to be zoned officially to the South -South geo-political zone and former Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, whom he described as a unifyer, experienced and character-tested in particular.

    He stressed the value of Akpabio’s loyalty to the Nigeria project and Tinubu’s agenda as critical to the urgent repositioning of our nation, development of our growing youth population and yawning infrastructural deficit.

    “It is reassuring of the unity and indivisibility of our great nation to have a patriot such as Senator Godswill Akpabio, a Christian and a Nigerian of the South -South geo-political zone, sit as the president of our Senate.” He stressed.

    Iniama, an acclaimed Estate Surveyor and Valuer reasoned that, the success of Akpabio as the President of the 10th Senate would be of immense benefit to Akwa Ibom in particular and the generality of the South -South region of the country.

    The PDP chieftain appealed to Senators-elect and the political class of the six geo-political zones to collaborate in a bi-partisan manner to rally support for the gentleman Nigerians can as Senate President adding that “Akpabio is completing piece of jig-saw of the 10th Senate.”

    He lauded the President for hitting the ground running in the matter of the PMS subsidy removal and assent to the Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act within just 10 days in office.

    “I was part of the founding of Action Congress and always trusted President Tinubu’s thoughts in those days.” He stated.

    Speaking on the fuel subsidy, Iniama called on the Fuel Subsidy Removal Committee headed by the Vice President to give a deep thought to the possibility of proposing concessions to the air transport sector, as this would make air travel affordable considering the high level of insecurity on our highways.

    He also spoke glowingly about Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom for looking at governance beyond party lines with the visit to the President and extension of an olive branch to members of opposition to join hands and knowledge in building the state

  • Tinubu’s Endorsement Of Akpabio For Senate President Won’t Change – Ndume

    Tinubu’s Endorsement Of Akpabio For Senate President Won’t Change – Ndume

    Senator Ali Ndume has said that President Bola Tinubu told him that Senator Godswill Akpabio is his preferred candidate for the President of the 10th Senate.

    “The President told me that his preferred candidate is Akpabio and I should lead the campaign,” Ndume said on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

    The lawmaker representing Borno South at the Senate added that Tinubu also told him to personally lead the campaign for Akpabio’s Senate President ambition.

    He expressed confidence that the President won’t change his stance on the leadership of the 10th Senate.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) had in May zoned four principal positions for the 10th National Assembly and named elected lawmakers to occupy each position.

    The zoning arrangement is as follows: Senate President – South-South, Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); and Deputy Senate President – North West, Senator Barau Jibrin (Kano).

    Others are the Speaker of the House of Representatives (North-West) – Abass Tajudeen (Kaduna); and Deputy Speaker, South East-Hon. Ben Kalu (Abia).

    According to the lawmaker who has been in the National Assembly for 20 years, out of the 109 elected Senators in the red chamber, 75 have queued behind the ambition of Akpabio as of today.

    Admitting strong competition from the camp of the former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, who is another top contender for the position of the Senate President, Ndume said the Akpabio camp has all the advantages.

    “As at today I am telling you we have 75 senators. All advantages are on our side. We have the support of the party, we have the support of the president, and most importantly we have the support of most of the senators. These senators signed up to endorse our programme,” he said.

    While maintaining confidence in the ability of the Akpabio camp to carry the day during the election, the Borno lawmaker did not rule out surprises as he acknowledged that people can change their mind at the last minute.

    “Let’s say that some people will jump over at the last minute, that can happen, but I am very confident. I don’t want to be overconfident because people can change their mind, but we have a better candidate.

    “We have two candidates that are in front now, that is Yari and Akpabio and our candidate has all the advantages over the other candidate, politically and intellectually, we have an added advantage,” Ndume stated.

  • 10th Senate: Akpabio, right and ripe for President, says NDCC

    10th Senate: Akpabio, right and ripe for President, says NDCC

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Niger Delta Conscience Coalition (NDCC) has reiterated their support for the candidature of Senator Godswill Akpabio as President of the 10th Senate.

    In a statement signed by Aniefiok Fabian and John Adango, the group’s Chairman and Secretary respectively and made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday, they said their support stemmed from their deep understanding of the person, character, potential and leadership prowess of Akpabio.

    “We wish to state that no amount of blackmail and paid advertisements will sway both the public empathy and support of the majority of senators-elect of the 10th senate from toying the path of honour, fairness and equity in their decision to elect this uncommon leader with undeniable capacity to lead the 10th senate.

    “As a detribalized Nigerian, Senator Godswill Akpabio will no doubt use his position as senate President to cement the bond of unity in Nigeria as he has been noted for his ability to work with Nigerians across party and ethic divides in his previous positions and offices.

    “This erudite legal practitioner, with almost 40 years post call to bar experience, brought about massive turnout in various sectors of Akwa Ibom State economy during his time as Governor of the state. His uncommon achievements speak for themselves.

    “As minority leader of the 8th senate, Akpabio no doubt gave a satisfactory representation to the interest of the minority, this should furnish a suitable conviction to minority members of the 10th senate that Akpabio as senate President would create harmonious relationship with members across divides.” The statement said.

    According to the group in addition to his uncommon achievements as a Governor in Akwa Ibom, as a Niger Delta minister he completed the permanent office for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

    “From these undeniable facts, we can strongly affirm that Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, beyond the demands of Justice and equity that President of the 10th Senate has to rightly emerge from the south south region, is a tested and trusted face of hope for the 10th senate in a time like this.

    “We therefore call on Nigerians from all walks of life, political leanings and ethnic divides to drum support behind this proud son of Niger Delta to emerge President of the 10th senate.

    “We also want to use this medium to commend, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for unanimously zoning the senate presidential seat to the South South region and the endorsement of Senator Godswill Akpabio.” It said.

  • Diaspora Group endorses Akpabio for Senate President

    Diaspora Group endorses Akpabio for Senate President

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    Association of Nigerian Professionals based in the United Kingdom has hailed the decision of the All Progressives Congress to adopt an inclusive zoning arrangement ahead of the constitution of the 10th National Assembly leadership, noting that it would bring about peace, justice and equity.

    The have alao expressed satisfaction at the choice of the former Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, as the consensus candidate for the position of the Senate President by the party.

    This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen and signed by the Coordinator of the group, Engr. Innocent Udoidiong and the protem Secretary, Mr. Kingsley Omolu after an emergency meeting of the group convened to consider issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians based in the UK, among others.

    The meeting which was held at Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom also had in attendance other executive members of the group among whom are: Dr. Christopher udushirinwa, Dr obafemi oyewole, Mr. John Eze, Mr. Clement Bamgbose, Mr. Anthony Kelechi,Babatunde Olatunde, Waheed Adeyemi, Mr. Ediomi Jumbo, Mr. Henry Valentine and Mr. Mebude Hammed.

    The group also applauded the choice of Tajudeen Abass, as the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives Speakership, saying that he has what it takes to discharge his duties effectively in that capacity.

    Udoidiong said Nigeria as a country with many development challenges including poverty, illiteracy and unemployment, need experienced and visionary leaders who tactfully strategize towards solving some of the challenges.

    The statement noted that, “Akpabio had made an indelible mark when he served as the governor of Akwa Ibom State for two terms. His records are sparkling and unparalleled. As the Minister of Niger Delta he initiated policies that helped overhaul the Niger Delta Development Commission and brought relative sanity to the agency. Projects are now accounted for in the agency.”

    They commended Akpabio for the role he played in ensuring scholars’ fees and other bills in diaspora including United Kingdom were catered for by the Federal Government of Nigeria while he served as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and further expressed optimism that Senator Akpabio’s reign as Senate President would bring good fortunes for Nigeria and called on all political stakeholders in Nigeria to support his aspiration.

    They further appealed to other aspirants for the office to emulate Governor Dave Umahi and other aspirants who have so far stepped down for Senator Akpabio, adding that his emergence as the consensus aspirant of the party for the position was well thought out.

    The Association of Nigerian Professionals in the UK also commended the federal government for its swift response to ensure Nigerian students were evacuated from the war-torn Sudan.

  • Akpabio, Speaker, Journalist win Senate seats in A’Ibom

    Akpabio, Speaker, Journalist win Senate seats in A’Ibom

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    Former Senate Minority Leader, Chief Godswill Akpabio, State House of Assembly Speaker, Barr Aniekan Bassey and a journalist Barr Ekong Sampson have all won their Senate seats in last weekend’s National Assembly elections held in Akwa Ibom.

    Akpabio, of the APC polled 115,401 votes to defeat the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, who scored 69,838 votes in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District

    In Eket senatorial district, Barr. Ekong Sampson of the PDP polled a total of 79,327 to defeat Obong Martyns Udoinyang of the APC who came a distant second with 33,256 while a former Works Commissioner in the State and candidate of the Young Progressive Party(YPP), Mr. Ephraim Inyang-eyen came third with 19,336. Inyang-eyen.

    In Uyo Senatorial District, Bassey of the PDP polled 98,634 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Emeyeak Ukpong of the APC who polled 43,204 votes and Barr Useneobong Akpabio of YPP who polled 37,679 votes.

    In the House of Representatives election, the PDP won in Uyo, Eket, Ukanafun,  Itu, Etinan, Ikot Abasi and Oron while the APC won in Abak, Ikot Ekpene federal Constituencies.

    The result for Ikono/Ini Federal Constituencies was declared inconclusive as election could not hold in some areas due to violent disturbances.