The Senate President of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerians, particularly the people of Akwa Ibom State, to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Speaking at his 2024 Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Programme at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akpabio described the country as being on “life support” when Tinubu assumed office.
Recalling a conversation with President Tinubu, Akpabio said, “Nigeria was on life support when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu took over. I once asked him, ‘Are you excited about being president after seeing the economy left behind by Emefiele?’ He replied, ‘Small president, I must tell you, I didn’t know it was this bad.’”
Akpabio expressed optimism about Tinubu’s economic reforms, acknowledging their painful nature but stressing their necessity for sustainable growth. “You did it in Lagos, and you will do it again for Nigeria. It’s just a matter of time. We are praying for you, and God will grant you the wisdom to lead us to El Dorado,” he said.
At the event, Akpabio launched an empowerment initiative with items distributed across his Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District. Beneficiaries received:
– 1,000 bags of rice per local government
– Deep freezers and generators for traders and fishing businesses
– Cargo tricycles for cassava and oil palm farmers
– Motorcycles to improve rural mobility
– Keke Napep (tricycles) for wealth creation
He urged recipients to utilise these items to improve their livelihoods, “We have enough foodstuff to distribute; there should be no stampede. These items are being extended beyond Ikot Ekpene to other senatorial districts in the state.”
Students were also awarded N200,000 education grants each. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Esther Umoh expressed gratitude, “Your support has not only enhanced our educational experience but also inspired us to strive for excellence. Thank you for your unwavering support.”
Akpabio distributed vehicles to Paramount Rulers to aid governance and commended Governor Umo Eno for promoting peace and inclusivity in Akwa Ibom, “Without peace, there cannot be development. The governor has embraced all Akwa Ibom people, regardless of political affiliations.”
He acknowledged Eno’s Christmas gesture of distributing 1,000 bags of rice to the APC family in the state and announced an additional 1,500 bags of rice for the PDP State Chairman.
Akpabio praised Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, for fostering unity in the Senate:
“Everyone in the Senate has an equal voice, regardless of party affiliation. Opposition is good, but it should be constructive.”
Moro described Akpabio as a leader committed to empowering his people:
“It takes wisdom to know what to give people for lasting benefits rather than instant gratification.”
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, hailed the empowerment programme as “mega, marvelous, and magnificent.”
The event was graced by several political and community leaders, including:
– Obongemem Ekperikpo Ekpo, Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas)
– Senator Ita Enang, APC Chieftain
– Senator Ekong Sampson, Akwa Ibom South
– Paramount Rulers of Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim
In his closing address, Akpabio reiterated the importance of collective effort in nation-building and assured his constituents of continued representation and development-focused initiatives.
