It is no longer news that Senator Godswill Akpabio is a household name in Nigerian polity, as he is frequently known to be the protagonist of and usage of “uncommon’ phrase in all his expressions both in his private and public interactions.
The newly elected Senate President of Nigeria who was synonymous to progress and development both from the grassroot level as two term governor of Akwa ibom state, where development became an uncommon cynosure both at the local government and State level.
For consecutive eight years, the unique legacy of the former governor of Akwa ibom state between 2017-2021 and 2021-2015 when he held sway was sustained by his successors.
The veritable foundation for the new chapter of development of Akwa ibom state became a template for the development of the entire south- South with uncommon infrastructure, uncommon social services including opening up of employment and engagements opportunity to many citizens of the state.
The construction of the state of art hospitals, stadium, schools and colleges along with roads and fly over bridges made his administration a rallying point to the people of the region.
Senator Akpabio instituted leadership through service in the state and also extended it to his successor by carefully selecting among his best squad as his possible successor in 2015.
Senator Akpabio on his election as Senator of the red chamber in 2015 also revolutionize legislative assignments and engagements, through synergy with the executive arm rather than affront during the 8th Senate, during his first term in the red chamber.
The new Senate President was always against anti executive bills , actions and inactions and was on the part of collective bargaining and collaborations within the executive and the legislature to move the country forward.
His stance despite resistance by some group of Senators who had formed “cabals” against the then Buhari administration and bent on constituting nuisance towards it’s success, by forging ahead with his uncommon goals that ensured the success of it’s first term.
The Senate President also digressed after due recommendation and was appointed a cabinet Minister in charge of Niger Delta for consecutive four years.
While in the Niger Delta Ministry, Senator Akpabio achieved alot through stabilisation of policies and programs of NDDC, forensic examination, stabilisation of the amnesty program among many others as well as the commencement Ogoni clean up.
With the return of normalcy, enactment of Petroleum Industry Act PIA that approved some percentages to the oil producing areas , and constitution of both board and leadership of the NDDC exposed his uncommon feat in all ramifications.
Because of the general acceptability of Nigerians and particularly his constituents, the Senate President returned to the red chamber after his reelection as Senator in the 10th Senate.
Based on his antecedents, track records of achievements, wealth of experience, administrative wisdom and knowledge, Senator Godswill Akpabio was also unanimously elected as Senate President today June 13 , 2023 in a keenly contested election held at the NASS chambers.
Akpabio who contested with many of his senator colleagues and contemporary as former governors was chosen to lead the 10th Senate, having been tested in all areas and trusted to deliver on the mandate of the new administration.
It is on record that the new Senate President uncommon performance, uncommon knowledge will be a veritable tools for uncommon achievements of the he new administration towards the accelerated and betterment of Nigeria.
All hands must be on deck to support the new Senate President and by extension ensure the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will take Nigeria to greater heights.
Yusuf writes from Abuja and can be reached on [email protected].
