March 30, (THEWILL) – The National Coalition For Progressive Change (NCPC), has endorsed the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as the Senate President of the incoming 10th Senate.
The NCPC made this known in a press statement issued in Calabar and signed by Sunday Michael, its National Chairman and Sir Felix Umeh, the National Secretary.
The NCPC said its support of Akpabio is hinged on his performance as governor of Akwa Ibom State, his commitment to the growth of the APC, as well as the need to ensure that the South South produces its first ever Senate President.
“Akpabio is not only experienced in the art of governance and politicking at all levels, but is a man that cuts widespread acceptability across all the six geo-political zones.
“As a former governor of Akwa Ibom state, he performed creditably, transformed the state through various developmental projects, empowered the youths and made the state the destination point within the south-south zone.
“Beside Government House politics, Akpabio galvanised all fronts in the state to fight for belongs to the people locally and nationally.
“Akpabio, as Minority Leader at the Senate (PDP), placed the country interest first above party interest. This was why he stood on the side of national politics by ensuring that the leadership of the Senate under President Bukuola Saraki towed the right part.
“And as a nationalistic leader and the most senior PDP member then and the sitting Senate Minority Leader, he resigned from the PDP and joined the APC.
“It is on record too that since the inception of this Fourth Republic, south-south remains one one of the zones that have never produced the Senate President whereas the South East has produced about five Senate Presidents.
“Therefore, for equity, justice and fair play, which APC stands for, there is need to zone the Senate Presidency of the 10th NASS, not only to South, but to Akpabuyo for his immense contributions to the rebuilding of the party in the zone.
“We need Akpabio as Senate President because he is a stabiliser, a trial blazer and somebody who can work with the President-Elect and unifies the three arms of government for the common development of our country.
“Akpabio is somebody that can take firm decisions and a party man who can criss-cross when it matters most to stabilise national polity using his widespread contacts.
“Let the south-south and Akpabio be given a chance to lead the 10th Senate. Therefore, for equity, justuce and fair play, we endorse him for the senate president”, the NCPC said.
The NCPC also urged the party hierarchies to sit down and make right decisions with regard to who to put in proper positions of things.
They also urged party leaders to work collectively to move the party and country forward and avoid booby traps, especially as the Senate enters the 10th Assembly.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
