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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that the state will support Senators Godwill Akpabio (APC, Akwa Ibom) and Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano) to emerge as Senate President and Deputy Senate President of the 10th Senate as approved by the National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, and Jibrin, senator representing Kano North, have been nominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the senate leadership positions.
Speaking while hosting the duo at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu said Akpabio and Jibrin are offering stability to the country, which would be of benefit to Nigerians.
He said as a result of his experience and profile, Akpabio will set new standards and break legislative records.
“Having discussed extensively and listened to all the plans and agenda presented by the Stability Group led by Senator Akpabio, I believe it is proper and appropriate that we, in Lagos, give them our official endorsement.
“This is a project for the stability of the country, which will benefit Nigerians, especially the people who elected these distinguished lawmakers-elect.
“They are committed to working harmoniously with the executive and this will bring about a win-win for all our citizens and for democracy.
“I believe the incoming 10th National Assembly will be about great possibilities and shaping a new course for the nation.
“Given the outstanding profile and experience Senator Akpabio and his team are bringing to the table, I believe there will be new standards and new legislative records they will break,” the governor said.
Speaking, Akpabio said the national assembly under his stewardship would work with the incoming administration for the benefit of citizens.
He described the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as “God’s own choice” for the leadership of the country.
According to the former Akwa Ibom Governor, senators-elect for the 10th National Assembly believe in the vision Tinubu has for the country and are willing to offer their support.
He said if elected as senate president, he will deploy a “national approach” to lawmaking in the red chamber.
Akpabio said the nation’s economy is in need of serious development, adding that the administration of Tinubu will replicate the development in Lagos at the federal level.
He said the senate will collaborate with the new administration to bring the dream to fruition.
“The Stability Group of the 10th Senate is made up of men and women of integrity. We came today to show ourselves to the governor and also solicit his support.
“He (Sanwo-Olu) has not only thrown his support behind us, he has shown so much hospitality. Today, he stood before the cameras to endorse my humble self to become the president of the 10th Aenate and Senator Jibrin as deputy senate president-designate.
“We are not taking this support for granted. This team has senators elect from different political backgrounds and parties. We are determined to ensure collaboration and support for the incoming administration of Asiwaju Tinubu, whose presidency is a nationalistic project that will bring positive development to Nigeria.
“We want him to replicate what has happened in Lagos in the last 24 years of democracy to cover the rest of the country.
“Particularly, we are challenged by the economy; we want to see serious improvement in the IGR of the nation to enable us to repay our loan facilities.
“We want to see more foreign direct investment in the country. We will support him through favourable legislation to ensure Nigeria remains investment-friendly and a business destination in Africa,” Akpabio said.