President Bola Tinubu has described the election of former Akwa Ibom governor, Godswill Akpabio as Senate president and Tajudeen Abbas as speaker of the House of Representatives as a good development.
A statement personally signed by the president noted that being elected by their peers as presiding officers and assuming the leadership of the National Assembly “is a great honour that comes with huge responsibility.”
The president also congratulated both Abdulaziz Yari, Idris Wase and Aminu Jaji who, he said enriched the process with their participation in the leadership election.
He urged them to sustain the same level of enthusiasm they brought to the leadership contest in the discharge of their duties to their constituents and Nigeria.
“The election of Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON and Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas as the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 10th National Assembly is a good development.
“I heartily congratulate them and also rejoice with the new Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for their well-deserved victories.
“Being elected by their peers as presiding officers and assuming the leadership of the National Assembly is a great honour that comes with huge responsibility. I trust that you will justify the confidence reposed in you by your members and many Nigerians.
The president said; “We have all been called upon and accepted the responsibility to diligently and faithfully serve our fatherland with the oath we took. It is time to get on and move swiftly with the business of governance in the service of Nigeria.
“As your President, I am prepared to transparently work with the National Assembly. Nigerians expect distinguished Senators and Honourable members to make laws and carry out oversight duties that will enhance the performance of government to achieve successful outcomes including improving their quality of life.
“the course of our work together, disagreements may occur. When we disagree it will not be out of malice, ill-will and quest to diminish the institution of the National Assembly or any individual member.
“Our people across the length and breadth of our country expect so much from us. They want us to lift their economic burden. They want us to eliminate insecurity so our farmers in rural communities can go to their farms and produce the food we eat.
“Our people look up to us to change the fortune of our country for good and remove all barriers that impede progress. All of these we can make happen with dedication and commitment. We can only achieve all the good things we promised during our campaigns when we work together in harmony but with respect for our respective prerogatives and in the best interest of our country.
“We cannot afford to waste this opportunity because Nigerians want us to make every day of the next four years count. Justifiably, our people want more from their government. They truly deserve progressive good governance that will improve their standards of living. We must give them our best.
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“I will remain a partner in progress for peace, stability and prosperity of Nigeria. I count on the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and all members to work and walk with me on this governmental journey,” the president wrote in his congratulatory message.
Meanwhile, both Lagos and Ogun states governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun have also congratulated the new national assembly leadership.
Sanwo-Olu said the election of Akpabio and Jibrin as President of the Senate and Deputy Senate President by their colleagues is a testament to the trust and belief they have in them to steer the ship of the 10th Senate.
He urged the leadership of the National Assembly to work with their colleagues and use their positions for the progress, growth, and development of Nigeria.
He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I congratulate Senators Godswill Akpabio and Barau Jibrin on their election as the President of the Senate and Deputy Senate President of the 10th Senate.
“I also congratulate Hon. Tajudeen Abass and Hon. Benjamin Kalu on their victories as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, respectively.
“I believe strongly that the emergence of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly is the wish of federal lawmakers. So, I do not doubt that they will excel with full support from their colleagues.
“I wish the President of the Senate, Deputy Senate President, Speaker, and Deputy Speaker success in driving progress for the National Assembly and Nigeria as a whole. I am certain they will lead their offices with integrity and efficiency.”
Abiodun, in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Waheed Adesina, described the emergence of the new NASS leadership as the final fulfilment of the installation of transformational leadership in the country, which began with the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor added that the emergence of both Akpabio and Abbas as the leaders of the 10th NASS was in line with the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that it was a testament to the confidence reposed in them by the party and their colleagues to steer the ship of the legislative arm of government.
Describing the new leadership as a round peg in a round hole, Governor Abiodun said Akpabio has a wealth of knowledge to deploy in managing the affairs of the senate having been a governor and a minister.
Hon. Abbas, the governor added has garnered the requisite legislative knowledge for a smooth working relationship with the executive.
He said that the combination of Akpabio and Abbas will help President Tinubu in his transformation agenda for the country.
He urged the lawmakers to collaborate with the leadership in foisting on the nation, a vibrant legislature, while also calling for a harmonious relationship with the executive in the quest to reposition and transform Nigeria.
(omayowa@globalfinancialdigest.com; Newsroom: +234 8033 964 138)
