Tinubu, Others Applaud Akpabio At 61

Accolades from eminent Nigerians including President Bola Tinubu; his wife, Oluremi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River state governors Umo Eno and Bassey Otu, as well as deputy senate president and other  well-wishers at the weekend, poured in yesterday to mark the 61st birthday of  Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking at the ceremony, which was also the formal state reception for the former governor since emerging senate president, Tinubu, who was represented by his wife, Oluremi, underscored the importance of the event, saying it was not only for celebration and merriment, but to reflect on the immense contributions of the celebrant in state and nation building.

Charging other politicians to emulate him, the president said it was time for all hands across party lines to be on deck for nation building as the period of politics was over and pave way for governance that requires national interest rather than personal or party interest.

He noted that the senate president had not only shown exemplary leadership which had gone a long way towards strengthening the principle of democracy and accountability, but also promoted the interest of many Nigerians especially the vulnerable in society.

He said: “At this auspicious occasion of Senator Godswill Akpabio’s 61st birthday, I send warm greetings and heartfelt wishes. This occasion is not only for celebration, but to reflect on the immense contribution he has made to Akwa Ibom and Nigeria as a whole.

Under his leadership, Akwa Ibom witnessed remarkable infrastructural development, improved healthcare services and educational  growth, poverty alleviation and human capital development as well as transformed the lives of many vulnerable persons.”

In his remarks, Akpabio appreciated the people who turned to celebrate with him and said their presence would encourage him to do more and speak more not just for Akwa Ibom people but Nigerians as a whole.

He cleared the misconception that he created an office of the senate president’s wife, saying such never existed.

Governor Umo Eno congratulated Akpabio and pledged support for his leadership irrespective of party lines or ethnicity.