The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has credited former President Goodluck Jonathan with ending the long-standing absence of the South-South region in national leadership.
Speaking during a visit by Edo State Governor, Godwin Okpebholo, to his residence in Uyo, Akpabio highlighted that despite the region’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, it had been underrepresented at the national level for many years.
Akpabio emphasized that it was during Jonathan’s presidency that the South-South finally gained prominence in the country’s leadership, according to Independent.
Akpabio explained that his decision to join the All Progressives Congress was driven by the need to enhance the South-South’s representation in national politics. By moving to the APC, Akpabio sought to ensure that the region had a stronger voice in decision-making processes and could better advocate for its people.
The Senate President also expressed confidence that aligning Edo State with the federal government through the APC would bring significant benefits to both the state and the entire South-South region. Akpabio predicted that with the ongoing political developments, the APC would continue to see success in the region, potentially altering its developmental path for the better.
Akpabio also praised Okpebholo’s leadership, describing his victory as divinely ordained and expressing optimism about the positive changes his administration would bring to Edo State. He noted the progress made by Okpebholo’s government in just one month, stating that it had already revitalized hope among the people of Edo State.
The Senate President said, “Under the APC administration, many of us decided there was a need for us to change the political basket to enable us to represent our people at the national level and also have a say in what was going on in the country. So, when I made that strong movement to the APC, it was to move our people in the South South region to the centre.”
He therefore described the mandate of the Edo State Governor as “divinely ordained by God to bring respite and development to Edo State.”
He continued, “HomePolitics
Jonathan Ended Decades of South-South Absence At National Level, Akpabio Tells Okpebholo
Politics
By Kingsley Joshua On Dec 29, 2024
0 42
ShareFacebookTwitter
…..Says Aligning With Government At Centre Portends Many Positives for Region
……Okpebholo’s Electoral Mandate Ordained by God- Akpabio
ABUJA: Despite contributing most of the resources that kept Nigeria going for decades, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Saturday, lamented that the South South region has always been wanting in providing adequate representation at the national level.
Senator Akpabio revealed that to address the problem, he had to join the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
He made the remarks when he received the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The Senate President said, “Under the APC administration, many of us decided there was a need for us to change the political basket to enable us to represent our people at the national level and also have a say in what was going on in the country. So, when I made that strong movement to the APC, it was to move our people in the South South region to the centre.”
He therefore described the mandate of the Edo State Governor as “divinely ordained by God to bring respite and development to Edo State.”
Ascribing Okpebholo’s electoral victory to God, Akpabio said God had chosen him at this time to rewrite the history of Edo State and place it on the path of development.
“Edo State is one of the States in the South South, before Niger delta, and this is predominantly a minority area in Nigeria. There is always a need to link up with the federal to be able to contribute our quota to nation building.
“Through the providence of God, most of the resources that have kept the country going for decades come from this area but in terms of representation at the national level, we are always found wanting except for the period that circumstances brought us Dr Goodluck Jonathan,” he reiterated.
A statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, quoted Akpabio as saying, “Your excellency, every leadership comes from God, and God chooses whom He pleases. It pleases Him at this time to choose you and the APC to lead Edo people at a time like this.
“You are a man of few words but full of action. Edo people have not misplaced their votes in choosing you. You have the heart of the common man and I am confident that your leadership will bring development and transformation to your State.”
Akpabio lauded the bold steps taken so far by the administration of Governor Okpebholo, stressing that his one month in office has “so far renewed the hope of Edo people and given them a clear insight into the determination and preparedness of the present administration to bring development and progress to the State.”
Governor Okpebholo, for his part, expressed his appreciation for Akpabio’s mentorship and guidance. He acknowledged the progress in Akwa Ibom and sought to learn from Akpabio’s experience to enhance his own leadership in Edo State. The exchange between the two leaders underscored a shared commitment to advancing the interests of the South-South region.
In reaction Okpebholo said: “Seeing the development in Akwa Ibom, I have come to learn from my leader, seek his advice and draw from his wealth of experience. He has graciously advised me.”
