By George Ozalla
The Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON has been endorsed by his people as the sole Senatorial Candidate of Akwa Ibom Northwest (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District for 2027 general election, this endorsement took place at Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State during a grand reception organized in his honour on Saturday 4th. May, 2024.
The colorful event which attracted mammoth crowd irrespective of political parties’ affiliations was equally graced by the presence of many Distinguished Senators, supporters as well as many well wishers.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Effiong Akwa and other prominent personalities in attendance took time to praise the people of Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District for celebrating one of their own in the person of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
In their separate individual commendations, Senator Godswill Akpabio was described as a trail blazer and an uncommon leader with amazing destiny, who loves his people passionately and someone who has done so much for them and will continue to do more, with everyone’s continued support and encouragement especially now that God has made it possible for him to become the number three citizen, for the benefit of all.
Speaking, Governor Umo Eno specifically described the event as a statement to Nigerians and the whole world that the people of the State are united behind their own illustrious son, stressing, that Senator Akpabio deserves to be well celebrated, given his lasting chains of diverse laudable achievements while in various positions of authority, he further described him as a great builder of both men and solid infrastructures alike.
He thanked the people of Akwa Ibom Northwest (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District for coming together en masse to honour Akpabio, stressing that Akwa Ibom people could not afford to be divided or trade the benefit that should follow the rare opportunity of having her indigene in one of the country’s top leadership positions over political differences.
His words ,”My presence here as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State conveys the wishes of Government and people of the State on this occasion. When a man is celebrated at home, he will definitely be celebrated by outsiders”.
“And this is the statement Ikot Ekpene (Akwa Ibom Northwest) Senatorial District and indeed Akwa Ibom people have made today. Your ascension to the seat of the Senate President is for all of us to celebrate”. Governor Umo remarked amidst thunderous claps by the audience.
Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Honorable Ekperikpe Ekpo in his own remark described Senator Akpabio as a powerful mentor and benefactor with a huge difference and great benevolent spirit who stood solidly behind him at all times culminating in his eventual appointment as a federal Minister, an uncommon kindness Akpabio extends to so many.
Also speaking, former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Dr. Effiong Akwa described the celebration of Akpabio by his kinsmen as a testament of his goodwill, and impactful leadership.
Akwa, who is at present a member, representing the Private Sector (South-South Region) in the National Council on Privatization noted, “Senator Akpabio was a former governor, former Senate Minority Leader, former Minister and now a Senate President deserves celebrating.
“In 2018 when he promised that he will link Akwa Ibom to the center, many people thought it won’t be possible. But today, Akwa Ibom State and indeed the entire South-South have been linked to the center through Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“He means well for his people and one can see from the crowd that his people loves him. Show me any politician from this state that can gather this crowd without any financial inducement, but all these people here today, came to show their solidarity without any financial benefit”.
Other prominent leaders of the National Assembly who gave goodwill messages during Akpabio’s grand reception were the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr. Sam Ogbuku eulogized Akpabio as an uncommon leader indeed, same for Senator Ita Enang.
The Chief of Staff to the Senate President: Chief Barrister Sylvester Okonkwo (Okwuluora), Rt. Hon. Barrister Eyiboh Eseme: Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the Senate President, Mr.Jackson Udom, Comrade Smart Olalekan Edwards, Mr Spencer and numerous others were in attendance.
The climax of the occassion was when Senator Godswill Akpabio, his wife; Mrs. Unoma Akpabio and his Distinguished colleagues accompanied them to mount the podium to receive awards and deliver a thank you speech, obviously elated Senator Akpabio used the opportunity to express great joy for the honour bestowed on him and his wife, Akpabio reassured that such an honour has indeed become an energizer that will spur him to do more for his people and by extension Nigerians.
