Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged to discharge the responsibilities of his office with utmost dedication, integrity, and fairness, promising to prioritise wealth creation, gender, and disability issues.
Akpabio, who said the outcome of the election reflected the collective will of the senate and the various constituencies the senators were representing, said he was mindful of the enormous responsibilities that his position placed on him.
He told his colleagues, “You will have my cooperation in all matters and our joint efforts will be one of team-work. I extend my sincere hands of fellowship to all of us, including those who, at a time may have had different opinions regarding the leadership of the senate. These expressions of differing and opposing opinions and views are but the fabric that democracy is made of.
“We should anticipate an executive that is proactive, progressive, and practical. Our laws must, therefore, align with the vision of Mr. President to protect and provide for our people at the innermost core of their essence while our actions must also guarantee the best and most efficient use of our national commonwealth.”
Akpabio explained that gender and disability issues as well as wealth creation would be given priority in the 10th National Assembly.
He said, “We must recognise and prepare for a mid-21st century global economy that places a premium on intellectual content and knowledge, and our young men and women must be supported to engage competitively.
“Expansion of the revenue streams available to the country, especially from our huge but largely unregulated natural and solid mineral resources base. These additional sources of revenue will build the nation’s resilience to shocks and stresses resulting from the fluctuation of oil prices in the international market.
“We will, as a forward-looking Senate, pass laws that emphasise economic viability, social acceptability and environmental sustainability, to encourage alternate and green technologies without prejudicing our developmental needs.
“We must, therefore, as a Senate, rise to partner His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and provide the required legislative framework and legal environment for him to anchor the policies and programmes that he espouses for the country.”
Akpabio urged senators in the minority caucus to jettison party politics and work collectively for national interest.
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, Sunday Aborisade, Udora Orizu in Abuja, James Sowole in Abeokuta, Oyewale Ibrahim in Lokoja, Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt, Sylvester Idowu in Warri, and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
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