If there is any man that is intentional about the progress of Nigeria after the developmental footprint of President Bola Tinubu, that man is none else than Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate.
His choice of leadership was about VISION. The vision to liberate the people through security, unity and the economy which would cushion the effect of global economic challenge. Many could not fathom his concern and drive, when on the day of APC presidential primaries, he echoed his readiness to join hands with the President that has vision through a role he would later take up as the Nigeria’s Senate President.
On the basis of his track records, as an outstanding governor of Akwa Ibom State and one who has held the baton of national assignments for long practical years, bringing on board life-changing policies and programmes that make life worth living has become for him a creed. Akwa Ibom State became a choice destination for global investments, tourism, education, energy, hospitality and many more through the visionary leadership he wrought in that State from 2007 to 2015. With that portfolio of experience, Akpabio has weathered the storm many cannot withstand. It is on this premise, that I hope to X-ray the leadership burden shouldered by Akpabio.
Prior to his emergence as the President Of The 10th Senate, I used to be green with envy towards this charismatic and electrifying personality. But ๐๐ถ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐, ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐น ๐ข๐ฏ๐ผ๐ ๐๐ธ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ผ ๐๐ข๐ก after his assumption of office as the Chairman Of The National Assembly and President Of The Senate, Federal Republic Of Nigeria, and witnessing first hand the weight of burden domiciled in these offices, I became more sympathetic of him for the burden of leadership he bears.
This is not a piece about Akpabio’s political feat, gain and strides but the thorns and pressure he surmounts. The hands of service he delivers selflessly to ameliorate the pains faced by Nigerians and to ensure the government of Nigeria succeeds. Let’s also look at the Akpabio behind the scene. Let also look at Akpabio, who is over laden with the burdens of leadership.
Far away, in Launda, Angola, the President of The Senate, did not only make history as the Nigerian lawmaker to be elected into the Inter-Parliamentary Union as an executive member after fifty nine (59) years but what was key but subtle is his fatherly figure and role played for Nigerians in Angola.
The excitement, the passion, the long lasting unity he fostered amongst Nigerians who turned out en masse to receive and celebrate with him in diaspora was startling. Many diplomatic burdens were lifted to ensure a peaceful coexistence of Nigerians and others.
The assurance given to the people of Ogun State during his visit travelling by road to feel the pulse of the sufferings of Nigerians; assuring them of good road networks and legislative policies that will better the standard of living there.
The burdens he lifted from the shoulders of Association Of Resident Doctors In Nigeria, Labour Union and other pressure groups thereby creating an enabling environment for engagements with the Federal Government.
The burden he lifted from the shoulder of FG while renewing the hopes of Nigerians by going an extra mile to ensure an extensive screening of the ministers designates who will pilot the affairs of our nation and steer the economy to take its right shape.
Uncountable burdens, lifted from the Government and the people as the number three citizen and the gatekeeper to the executive, judiciary and the people. The flip side is: Akpabio has not enjoyed same treatments from Nigerians and some lawmakers.
Akpabio, whose interest in the 10th Assembly, is to ensure stability against unwarranted activism has been more punched by the media during the preliminary stage as the Senate President and suffocated by a few lawmakers whose interest he protects. Permit me not to stress you with the media pressure, legislative burden meted out to him by the social media forest on the widespread “let the poor breathe” saga. Permit me not to mention the press conference held by an erstwhile Senator who falsely alleged that an innocent Akpabio, was behind his judicial verdict.
Permit me not to, highlight the public assault of the Senate President during the leadership nomination, election and replacement of senate minority leader.
The President Of The 10th Senate, has empowered as he rightly assured Nigerians across the nation during the APC Presidential Primaries of his readiness to join Mr. President to turn boys to men, and men to stakeholders in the society. Akpabio’s appointment net has covered the six geopolitical region in an admirable proportion and the three senatorial districts of his state but has that spared him the war and political tussle against his magnanimity? Capital NO!
Akpabio, has erroneously been a subject of free diatribe by a few ridiculously misguided people without regards to his uncommon track record of kindness to humanity. He has continued to suffer attacks from political merchants in the state whose sole interest is to sponsor ill attacks on the person of His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON.
Nonetheless, as we prepare to join the number three citizen’s family to celebrate an uncommon father, uncle, brother, lawyer, grand leader and an uncommon Senate President, His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio CON, in honour of his 61st birthday, as a patriotic Nigerian, who sees the efforts and the innocence of Senator Akpabio closely, I use this medium to appeal to Nigerians and his people to honour a man who sleeps less just to ensure that Nigeria works again. A man who would stay for plenary beyond the official closing hour to ensure that the governed are prioritized through selfless service expressed in the sacrifice of personal comfort. A man who devotes major time to solving major problems faced by Nigerians.
Senator Akpabio at 61, is truly a good leader with an impeccable character, legislative dexterity; a man upholds integrity in all dealings and loves humanity with all his might; a leader who thinks more of others’ welfare than himself; a father and moreso a loving HUSBAND. Let us treat Senator Akpabio as the leader deserving of our respect and honour!
