May 15, (THEWILL) –
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says Godswill Akpabio and Barau Jibrin possessed the political credentials and leadership qualities to bring about uncommon transformation in the country if they emerged as President and Deputy President of the 10th Senate, respectively.
Akpabio and Barau have been endorsed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as its preferred choice for the leadership of the 10th Senate and in accordance with the party’s zoning arrangement.
Speaking while receiving members of the “Stability Group’’, consisting of 69 Senators-elect, who already endorsed Akpabio and Jibrinin, in Lagos, on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu declared his support for the APC’s zoning decision.
He added that he has also read the legislative agenda initiated by the Akpabio-led group and he believes that the agenda will raise the bar of law-making.
The Lagos State Governor said the APC nomination process to pave the way for the election of senate leadership was in order.
Sanwo-Olu added that it was also instructive that the group was prepared to collaborate with the incoming administration of the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu.
He urged the Senate leadership nominees to make purposeful legislation their priority while maintaining harmonious working relationships with other arms of government without compromising legislative independence.
“Having discussed plans and agenda presented by ‘Stability Group’ led by Sen. Akpabio extensively, I believe it is appropriate that we, in Lagos State, give them our official endorsement.
“This is a project for the stability of the country, which will benefit Nigerians, especially the people who elected these distinguished lawmakers-elect.
“They are committed to working harmoniously with the Executive arm of government and this will bring about a win-win for all our citizens and democracy.
“We are encouraging other lawmakers-elect, who are yet to be in this group, to fall in line. I also appeal to the ‘Stability Group’ to continue its consultation and collaboration and not to take anyone for granted,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that members of the group had assured him that they would make the senate leadership as inclusive as possible.
“The diversity they are preaching is reflected in the number of Senators-elect in the group; it is not one party. The membership cuts across all parties that are represented in the National Assembly.
“I believe the incoming 10th National Assembly will be about great possibilities and shaping a new course for the nation. Given the outstanding profile and experience Sen. Akpabio and his group are bringing to the table, I believe there will be new standards and new legislative records will break.
“I will only urge the incoming Senate leadership to surpass whatever achievements recorded by the 9th Senate,” Sanwo-Olu added.
