Senate Presidency: Akpabio Choice, ‘Will Of God’ – Group
Ahead of the June 13 inauguration of the 10th Senate, the South-South Youth Alliance on Sunday said those against the choice of Godswill Akpabio as Senate President are against the “will of God” for Nigeria.
The APC however. In its zoning formula which was made public recently zoned the position of Senate Presidency to the South-South and had gone ahead to cede the position to Akpabio.
The zoning, which favoured Akpabio led to complaints from other aggrieved aspirants within the APC.
But the youth group in a statement issued in Abuja described Akpabio as a “democrat“ who is qualified for the position of the top senate job.
The statement signed by the coordinator of the group, Benjamin Nwizua reads, “Senator Akpabio was a performing governor of Akwa-Ibom state who earned the title, uncommon governor.
“He proceeded to the Senate where he became Minority leader and later minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
“Senator Akpabio stepped down as a major contender in the APC Presidential primary and declared support for Bola Tinubu, the President-Elect.
“This is however a sure slot for the south south to take the seat of Nigeria’s Senate President. Akpabio has been a bridge over the years and would be a good balance in the present phase of religious imbalance.”
The group further noted that it was aware of plans by a former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole to oppose the choice of Akpabio.
“We have been reliably informed of the sinister moves by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State, conniving with enemies of our zone to oppose the choice of Sen. Akpabio.
Oshiomhole had conveyed meetings in the Apo residence of Braimoh, his former chief of staff, to plot against Sen. Akpabio and the South-South zone.
“First, we are aware that Sen. Oshiomhole is serving the interests of people outside our zone.
“These people are using Oshiomhole, mobilising others to stop the South-South zone from clinching the seat. For the records, Oshiomhole is a first-timer and has no legislative experience, so how does he fit into becoming Nigeria’s Senate President?
“Secondly, in over 40yrs, this is the first time the South-South geo-political zone will have an opportunity to produce the number 4 citizen (Senate President).
“Thirdly, Sen. Akpabio among other senators from the South-South zone is generally accepted across the country and has a greater chance to emerge with the consensus already reached, than Oshiomhole.
“Subsequently, we the young and critical stakeholders of the zone caution Oshiomhole and his co-travellers to desist from conspiracy against the will of God.”
