by George Ozalla
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday marked his 63rd birthday without any elaborate ceremony, saying the atmosphere in the country did not call for celebration. The only formal observance was the cutting of a birthday cake presented by his staff and aides shortly after plenary, with a few senators joining him in his office.
Akpabio said he chose a modest observance out of respect for families still grappling with the trauma of children held in captivity across different parts of the country. He said no parent could feel comfortable celebrating while young Nigerians remain in the hands of abductors.
He stressed that lawmakers continue with their duties while hoping for the safe return of all abducted children, and he prayed for the repose of those who died in efforts to protect them.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin praised Akpabio’s personality and leadership style. He described him as someone with the rare ability to lift the mood of people around him and urged colleagues to continue praying for his health and strength.
Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele said Akpabio had shown clear intellectual depth in presiding over the Senate. He noted that even those who may not support him politically acknowledge his ability. Bamidele said the Senate appreciates the candour and steadiness Akpabio brings to leadership and assured him of continued support.
Former Bayelsa State Governor and chairman of the South-South Senate Caucus, Senator Seriake Dickson, while proposing a toast, recalled Akpabio’s record as Governor of Akwa Ibom and said the Senate was privileged to have him as its president. He noted that disagreements are normal among parliamentarians but said debates in the chamber always aim at national interest.
In a vote of thanks, Senator Abdul Ningi commended Akpabio for running the Senate without discrimination along political or ethnic lines. He said the upper chamber appreciates the Senate President’s efforts in managing its diverse membership and acknowledged his sense of camaraderie and fairness.
Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, has served as Senate President since June 2023. He previously held ministerial responsibilities at the federal level and remains a prominent figure in national politics.
