Ahead of the inauguration of the National Assembly on June 13, kinsmen of Senator Godswill Akpabio have warned against any attempt to pressure the All Progressives Congress (APC) to withdraw support for his ambition to become Senate President.
Amb. Okon Mkpafit, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasised that Akpabio is the most qualified candidate for Senate President among other candidates from Southern Nigeria and the South-South geopolitical zone.
Mkpafit also revealed that Akpabio’s kin have been actively working to ensure his election as Senate President in the 10th National Assembly. They are now urging the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as other candidates, to support Akpabio.
He stated, “We, the kinsmen of Senator Godswill Akpabio under the Ntipe Ibibio Unity Mission, unequivocally declare our unwavering support for the APC’s zoning of the Senate President position to the South-South geopolitical zone, and we firmly stand behind Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President of the 5th Republic.”
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Mkpafit emphasised the importance of the South-South Senate Presidency, recalling that the position was last held by the South-South region in 1979, during the Second Republic, with the emergence of the distinguished Senator Joseph Wayas.
“We urge all senators-elect to come together to ensure the realisation of a South-South Senate Presidency and to support Senator Godswill Akpabio for the position of Senate President,” he added.
During Akpabio’s tenure, Mkpafit and Akwa Ibom witnessed significant transformation and an enduring legacy of infrastructure and human capacity development.
Mkpafit, on the other hand, warned against any attempt to put pressure on the party to reject Akpabio, claiming that such actions would be counterproductive. He urged the party to stick to its decision.
“We have seen increasing pressure on the APC leadership to exclude Senator Akpabio, and we warn that giving in to this pressure would be detrimental to the party.” We strongly recommend that the decision of the party be upheld.”
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Mkpafit also urged all Nigerians to join President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu in building a strong nation and reclaiming Nigeria’s prestigious position in the world.
