There was excitement following yesterday’s inauguration of the 10th National Assembly and the election of principal officers. Stakeholders, including governors and groups, have high expectations.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State hailed the emergence of both Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abass as Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker.
AbdulRazaq, who is also the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), congratulaed Senator Jibrin Barau and Benjamin Kalu on their elections as Deputy Senate President and Deputy Speaker.
In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor said: “The popular choices of the new Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives — as well as their deputies — underscore the confidence that their colleagues reposed in them and their abilities to work in harmony with the other arms of government for the development of our country.
“We look forward to working with the new leadership on different issues of national interest while wishing them God’s guidance and protection as they lead their colleagues in the 10th National Assembly to champion a vibrant legislative agenda that complements the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other subnational governments across Nigeria.”
Make good laws, Sanwo-Olu urges
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged members of the 10th National Assembly to surpass the laudable record set by the 9th Assembly. He added that the 10th National Assembly is expected to settle quickly and begin to pass laws and make decisions that will be beneficial to Nigerians.
He said: “We need to wish them all the very best, pray for them, and hope that this 10th Assembly can do better than the 9th Assembly. “
‘Akpabio experienced’
Edo State’s Governor Godwin Obaseki said the emergence of a former “uncommon” governor of Akwa Ibom State as the 10th President of the Senate is a good development.
Obaseki, a chieftain of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described Akpabio as the right man for the position at this crucial period in Nigeria.
He said: “I congratulate Senator Akpabio on his emergence. Senator Akpabio comes with immense experience as a former Governor and Minister, garnering wide-ranging expertise that will benefit the 10th Senate and advance the development of our dear nation.
“His (Akpabio’s) understanding of the machinery of state will smoothen executive-legislative collaboration, which will enhance good governance and engender sustainable development.”
Eno: Akwa Ibom joyous
His Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Pastor Umo Eno said it is a sign of good things to come for Akwa Ibom and Nigeria as a whole.
Governor Eno who spoke with reporters at the Victor Attah International Airport urged the people of the state to shun party politics and celebrate, adding that the development has linked the state to the government at the centre.
He said: “We’re very excited. Every Akwa Ibom person today should be thankful to God and be happy because the number three man in this country is from Akwa Ibom. That means development-wise, we can now link our state to the centre and we can collaborate.
“We congratulate him and I know that it’s a great milestone for Akwa Ibom State and every Akwa Ibomites, across party lines should be happy and thankful to God.”
Abiodun expects vibrant legislature
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who personally witnessed the elections both at the Senate and House of Representatives, described the emergence of the new National Assembly leadership as the final fulfilment of the installation of transformational leadership in the country, which began with the election of President Tinubu.
In a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Waheed Adesina, the governor said the emergence of both Akpabio and Abbas as the leaders of the 10th National Assembly was in line with the decision of the APC, adding that it was a testament to the confidence reposed in them by the party and their colleagues to steer the ship of the legislative arm of government.
He added that Akpabio’s emergence represents a round peg in a round hole because he has a wealth of knowledge to deploy in managing the affairs of the Senate having been a governor and a minister.
On Abbas, the governor said the new House of Representatives Speaker has garnered the requisite legislative knowledge for a smooth working relationship with the executive.
He said that the combination of Akpabio and Abbas will help President Tinubu in his agenda to transform the country.
Inuwa: they’ll deliver
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya described the newly-elected four presiding officers as courageous, visionary and loyal party men, who possess sterling leadership qualities to lead a united and cohesive parliament that would work for the progress of the country.
He said the new leaders have kept faith with the APC over the years and are capable of engendering a harmonious working relationship between the executive and the legislature in the overall interest of the nation.
Yahaya who is also the chairman of the Northern States’ Governors’ Forum, expressed optimism that the 10th National Assembly would cooperate and work closely with the Tinubu-led executive, the judiciary and other tiers of government in the task of moving the country to economic growth and prosperity anchored on “Renewed Hope”.
Governors open to collaboration
The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) said the emergence of Godswill Akpabio as Senate President and Tajudeen Abass as the Speaker of the House of Reps is a sign of good things to come for the administration of President Tinubu.
In a statement, its chairman, Gov. AbdulRazaq said: “The popular choices of the new Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as their deputies, underscored the confidence that their colleagues reposed in them and their abilities to work in harmony with the other arms of government for the development of our country.
“We look forward to working with the new leadership on different issues of national interest. We wish them God’s guidance and protection as they lead their colleagues in the 10th National Assembly to champion a vibrant legislative agenda that complements the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Tinubu and other subnational governments across Nigeria.”
Keyamo: expect
uncommon laws
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, said Nigerians should expect some uncommon moments of legislation, with the emergence of Senator Akpabio as Senate president.
Keyamo in a congratulatory message on his Twitter page wrote: “Huge congratulations to the uncommon Governor, Senator, Minister (GSM) and now Senate President with whom I had an excellent relationship in the Ministry of Niger-Delta Affairs in the last dispensation.
“Expect some uncommon moments at the National Assembly with the brand new Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio.”
Obasa to Akpabio, Abbas: see office as sacred
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa urged Akpabio and Abbas to see the offices entrusted to them as sacred.
Obasa said: “To have been selected by such overwhelming majorities by their peers is a wonderful honour and a clear demonstration of the implicit confidence reposed in them as leaders and legislators.
“The offices these leaders have been entrusted with are sacred and must not be toyed with.
“Their emergence as leaders of the 10th National Assembly comes at a crucial time in our nation’s history. As we celebrate 24 years of uninterrupted democracy.
“It comes on our national democracy day of June 12, we look backwards to recognise the sacrifices and valour of our heroes past. We also look forward with hope for the future of our nation and our democracy.
“Their election in a free, fair and transparent manner is, therefore, a further demonstration of the fact that our democracy is functioning well.
Obasa, therefore, urged the National Assembly leaders to do all within their powers to not only nurture and deepen the institutions of the parliament but also our promising democracy.
A member of the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Olorogun Bernard Okumagba enjoined Akpabio to ensure a “robust legislative agenda that will support the Nigerian ideal” of President Bola Tinubu.
He described his emergence as an achievement for the nation’s Southsouth as the Senate has, for the first time since 1999, chosen a Senator from the region.
Emenike satisfied with choices
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State in the just concluded general election, High Chief Ikechi Emenike said he was satisfied with the emergence of these “fine crop of leaders for the nation’s hallowed chambers of legislative business”.
In a statement, he said: “I have no doubt that with these intelligent and patriotic lawmakers leading the National Assembly, there I’ll be harmony and synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government for the overall growth and prosperity of the nation.”
Emenike, who was the Abia State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council, implored the leadership of the National Assembly to get to work immediately and make Nigerians feel the positive impact of their quality legislation.
Umana sets agenda
The immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, described the development as a judicious choice.
Umana said Akpabio’s election was an expression of the appreciation of the APC for the contributions of the South-South geopolitical zone to the fortunes of the party in various ways, particularly during the last election cycle.
He also described Senator Akpabio’s election as a national acknowledgement of the significant contributions of the South-South to the economic and political development of the country, pointing out that Senator Akpabio as Senate President represents a big boost to the Akwa Ibom brand in the comity of states of the federation.
Umana advised Senator Akpabio to again do Akwa Ibom State and its people proud by using his exalted office to promote good governance that is noted for politics of inclusion, fairness and equity for all.
A political pressure group, the Niger Delta Rights Advocates (NDRA) said members of the 10th House of Representatives have done well by electing the best pair, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as Speaker and Deputy Speaker as their principal officers.
According to the National Coordinator, NDRA, Bright Ngolo, Abass and Kalu sponsored 74 and 43 bills in the 9th Assembly.
Ngolo said their leadership would crystallise a true people’s parliament adding that the events that led to their emergence would mark the beginning of the end of lacklustre leadership bereft of deep consultations and respect.
Giadom expectant
The National Vice Chairman (Southsouth), of the APC, Chief Victor Giadom said Akpabio is an experienced and detribalised leader and that he will not disappoint Nigerians.
He pleaded with all the senators and members of the House of Representatives to eschew extreme political partisanship and support Akpabio and other elected officials, whom he described as excellent performers, in order to reposition the giant of Africa.
PANDEF welcomes balance
The Pan Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEF) welcomed the outcome of the election, adding that “it has provided some degree of balance” in the Federal Government.
PANDEF, in a congratulatory statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ken Robinson, expressed confidence that Akpabio “with his wealth of experience, and knowledge of the dynamics of the polity, will provide the desired leadership and candour in directing the affairs of the Senate, and indeed, the National Assembly, to the utmost benefit of the people of Nigeria.”
The foremost Niger Delta group thanked President Tinubu and the APC for their firm resolve on the zoning of the Senate presidency to the South-South, and for following through on it.
The forum, however, frowned on the attempt by some groups and individuals to foist an “all-Muslim” leadership on the country. The kinsmen of Akpabio, under the auspices of Ntipe Ibibio Unity Mission, also hailed the former governor’s victory.
Its convener, Okon Mkpafit, in a statement, said Senator Akpabio’s victory was divinely arranged and there is no doubt that he will not bring his experience into this new position.
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) equally congratulated Akpabio and Abass on their emergence as the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively.
Its chairman, Isaac Abrak, described their emergence as significant milestones in the collective journey towards inclusiveness, unity, and progress in Nigeria.
A member of the House of Representatives, Joshua Gana (PDP-Niger) said the 10th Assembly will not be a ‘rubber stamp’ legislature for the executive.
He said: “No, it will not be a rubber stamp, the name does not even exist; if you look at the rich crop of people that have been elected, you will know that Nigerians have selected their own leaders.”
Gana expects pro-people laws
Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, said Nigerians will expect rapid development from the 10th Assembly.
“We expect them to cooperate with the executive so we move forward rapidly into genuine development,” he said.
CNPP: don’t be rubber stamps
Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) urged the new leadership of the 10th National Assembly to prioritise the overall interest of Nigeria and Nigerians in their decisions.
Secretary-General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said in a statement that while the party may be supreme, national interest outweighs party interest. Nation
