Ime Akpan
The Lagos State chapter of a socio-cultural group, Ati Annang, has rallied to the support of the former minister of Niger Delta Affairs and governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Godswill Akpabio in his senate presidency bid.
Recall that the national working committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had on May 8 ratified the zoning of the office of the senate president of the 10th senate to the south-south geopolitical region with Akpabio as the preferred candidate.
The leadership of Ati Annang, in a 10-point communiqué issued after its “exhaustive deliberations on the subject of on-going leadership considerations in the 10th senate” declared that Akpabio is a tested and trusted politician an administrator and a man of uncommon personage who “has the capability, capacity, carriage, intelligence, panache and wisdom to lead his colleagues, make impactful laws and provide the enabling environment for the next government to deliver on its mandate.”
In the statement signed by the chapter chairman and secretary, Messrs Felix Ekarika and Anyiekpon Udo, the group further said it has no doubt the senator-elect’s excellent performances and records in public service, law and social engineering he brought to bear during his tenure as the governor of Akwa Ibom State would be replicated for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
It added that as a detribalised, patriotic, focused, resourceful, progressive-minded and visionary leader, Akpabio would renew the hopes of teaming Nigerians and bring about a better country.
Besides, Ati Annang said as a former minority leader of the senate, Akpabio will come into office untainted legislative experience that would bring people-oriented legislation and policies.
The group also congratulated “our distinguished Annang son” on his victory at the February 25 poll to represent Akwa Ibom northwest senatorial district.
Below is the full text of the communiqué:
“We congratulate and heartily identify with the recent victories at the poll of our very distinguished Annang son and senator-elect for Akwa Ibom northwest senatorial district, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio, CON.
“We specially acknowledge and identify with the decision of (Dr) Godswill Akpabio to join in the race for the Senate presidency of the 10th Senate because we are persuaded that with his long years of experience as a tested and proven freedom fighter, democrat, lover of peace and development, straightforward and pragmatic personality, Nigeria is in for a new deal with him on the saddle of Senate leadership after May 29, 2023.
“We are elated that at last, the yearnings and aspirations of many Nigerians, over the years, will be met and the economic boom that had eluded this country for so long, will now be a thing of the past through quality legislations with the emergence of (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio, CON as the senate president in the 10th senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our position is informed by his pedigree, antecedents, history and experiences in all forms of human endeavour even as a life member of Ati Annang Foundation – Lagos chapter.
“We salute him as a politician of no mean repute, mobiliser, visionary, great teacher and a man of uncommon personage who toiled day-and-night to deliver what he believes, in despite of daunting challenges. He ran a peaceful and issues-based campaign.
“We have observed with very keen interest the campaigns of calumny, struggle for power and offices, intrigues to outsmart others, aspirations for juicy positions and offices in the emerging leadership configuration of the 10th senate. But we know as a truth, even in the Holy Book, that there should be dignity of labour. It, therefore, goes without saying, that “the man that works must eat.”
“We align in toto with the position of the vast majority of Nigerians, particularly members-elect of the 10th senate, the national working committee (NWC) of his party and President-elect and all men of goodwill for their unequivocal desire and rooting for Senator Godswill Akpabio to become the next senate president in the red chambers. It is our prayers that God will put a seal to this positive development that will put a square peg in a square hole.
“We are very confident that as senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio has the capability, capacity, carriage, intelligence, panache and wisdom to lead his colleagues, make impactful laws and provide the enabling environment for the next government to deliver on its mandate. We have no doubt that the excellent performances and records in public service, law and social engineering he brought to bear during his tenure as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State would be replicated for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“As a detribalised, patriotic, focused, resourceful, progressive-minded and visionary leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio would become the proverbial star that will renew the hopes of teaming Nigerians and bring about a better country for all of us. As a former minority leader of the senate, we are confident that Senator Godswill Akpabio will come into office with untainted legislative experience that would bring people-oriented legislation and policies
“On behalf of Ati Annang Foundation – Lagos chapter, we support the adoption of the doctrine of reciprocity in the consideration of our son, brother and Grand Patron, Senator Godswill Akpabio CON, while praying that he remains resolute to usher in a new Nigeria of our dreams.
“We pledge our unalloyed loyalty and support to our son Senator Godswill Akpabio, even as we pray God to continue to direct, strengthen, guide and renew his vigour to contribute his quota for the betterment of the country.”
