Ahead of the National Assembly June 13 inauguration, kinsmen of Senator Godswill Akpabio, under the umbrella of Ntipe Ibibio Unity Mission, have warned against any attempt to pressure the All Progressives Congress (APC) to withdraw support for his ambition to become Senate President.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Amb. Okon Mkpafit emphasised that Akpabio is the most suitable candidate for the Senate President position among other contenders from Southern Nigeria and the South-South geopolitical zone.
Mkpafit further disclosed that Akpabio’s kinsmen have been actively working towards ensuring his emergence as the Senate President in the 10th National Assembly. They are now calling on the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as other contenders, to throw their weight behind Akpabio.
He stated, “We, the kinsmen of Senator Godswill Akpabio under Ntipe Ibibio Unity Mission, unequivocally declare our unwavering support for APC’s zoning of the Senate President position to the South-South geopolitical zone, and we firmly stand behind Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President of the 5th Republic.”
Highlighting the significance of the South-South Senate Presidency, Mkpafit recalled that the last time the position was held by the South-South region was in 1979, during the Second Republic, with the emergence of the distinguished Senator Joseph Wayas.
“We urge all senators-elect to come together to ensure the realization of a South-South Senate Presidency and to support Senator Godswill Akpabio for the position of Senate President,” he added.
Mkpafit also Akwa Ibom during Akpabio’s tenure witnessed substantial transformation and enduring legacy of infrastructural and human capacity development.
However, Mkpafit issued a warning against any attempt to pressure the party into rejecting Akpabio, stating that such actions would be counterproductive. He urged the party to uphold its choice.
“We have observed the mounting pressure on the APC leadership to exclude Senator Akpabio, and we caution that succumbing to this pressure would have a detrimental effect on the party. We strongly advise that the party’s decision be upheld.”
Mkpafit also called on all Nigerians to unite with President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu in building a strong nation and reclaiming Nigeria’s esteemed position among the comity of nations.
