May 18, (THEWILL) – Association of Nigerian Professionals based in the United Kingdom has expressed gratitude to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for adopting an inclusive zoning arrangement ahead of the constitution of the 10th National Assembly leadership and zoning the Senate presidency to Senator Godswill Akpabio the former Senate minority leader.
The group stated that such an arrangement would bring about peace, justice and equity in the political system of the country.
The group’s position was contained in a statement endorsed by its Coordinator, Engr. Innocent Udoidiong and Secretary, Mr Kingsley Omolu, after an emergency meeting to consider issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians based in the UK, among other issues and made available to newsmen in Uyo.
The meeting, which was held at Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom, according to the statement, also had in attendance other executive members of the group among whom are Dr Christopher Udushirinwa, Dr Obafemi Oyewole, Mr John Eze and Babatunde Olatunde.
Others were Waheed Adeyemi, Mr Ediomi Jumbo, Mr Henry Valentine, Mr Clement Bamgbose, Mr Anthony Kelechi and Mr Mebude Hammed.
The group, particularly expressed satisfaction at the choice of Godswill Akpabio, as the consensus candidate for the position of Senate President by the Party and Tajudeen Abass, as the candidate for the House of Representatives Speakership, saying that he has what it takes to discharge his duties effectively in that capacity.
Udoidiong said Nigeria, as a country with many development challenges including poverty, illiteracy and unemployment, needs experienced and visionary leaders, who tactfully strategise towards solving some of the challenges.
He said, “Akpabio had made an indelible mark when he served as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State for two terms. His records are sparkling and unparalleled. As the Minister of Niger Delta, he initiated policies that helped overhaul the Niger Delta Development Commission and brought relative sanity to the agency. Projects are now accounted for in the agency.”
The group thanked Senator Akpabio for the role he played in ensuring scholars’ fees and other bills in the diaspora including the United Kingdom, were catered for by the Federal Government of Nigeria while he served as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and further expressed optimism that Senator Akpabio’s reign as Senate President will bring good fortunesNigeria and called on all political stakeholders in Nigeria to support his aspiration.
It further appealed to other aspirants for the office to emulate Governor Dave Umahi and other aspirants, who have, so far, stepped down for Senator Akpabio, adding that his emergence as the consensus aspirant of the party for the position was well thought out.
The group also commended the Federal Government for its swift response to ensuring Nigerian students were evacuated from war-torn Sudan.
