The President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has described the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State as “divinely ordained,” emphasizing that his leadership is destined to bring development and transformation to the state.
Akpabio made the comments on Saturday during a meeting with Governor Okpebholo at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He attributed Okpebholo’s electoral success to God’s will, affirming that the governor’s emergence was part of a divine plan to rewrite the history of Edo State and guide it toward progress.
According to Akpabio, leadership is a divine gift, and God chooses individuals for specific purposes at particular times. He noted that Okpebholo was chosen by God and the APC to lead Edo State during a pivotal period. He further commended Okpebholo’s quiet yet effective leadership, stressing that the governor’s actions speak volumes about his commitment to the people, particularly the common man.
Akpabio praised the early achievements of Okpebholo’s administration, highlighting that in just one month in office, the governor had already rekindled the hope of the Edo people and shown a clear vision for the state’s development. He also expressed confidence that under Okpebholo’s leadership, Edo would experience significant growth, according to TheSun.
The Senate President extended his gratitude to the people of Edo State for their support of the APC in the September 2024 governorship election. He emphasized the importance of aligning with the federal government, which, he believes, will bring numerous benefits to both Edo State and the South-South region. He added that this alignment strengthens the region’s voice at the national level.
Akpabio also reflected on the historical challenges the South-South region has faced in terms of national representation, despite its significant contributions to the nation’s resources. He explained that his decision to join the APC was motivated by the need to ensure the region had a stronger presence at the national stage.
“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 the 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 when 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.”
Lauding the bold steps taken so far by the administration of Governor Okpebholo, Akpabio noted 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.”
He continued, “Edo State is one of the states in the South-South, before the Niger Delta, and this is predominantly a minority area in Nigeria. There is always a need to link up with the federal government 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.”
“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 disclosed.
Looking ahead, Akpabio predicted that the APC would continue to make inroads in the South-South, with more states joining the party. He believes this shift will lead to a positive change in the region’s development.
Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, thanked Akpabio for his guidance and support. He expressed his admiration for the progress made in Akwa Ibom under Akpabio’s leadership and said that he had come to learn from the senator’s wealth of experience in governance.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
