Mohammed Shosanya
New Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has promised to carry-on with the role in fairness, and with utmost dedication and integrity.
Akpabio,who made the pledge on Tuesday at his swearing-in as the fresh President of the Senate,also promised to continue with the task of positioning Nigeria on the right path.
He said:”Many of the challenges we have had, and many of the defining moments of our historic journey as a nation towards true democracy, have been met and made by those who have hitherto occupied this seat.”
Extending hands of cooperation to all despite opposing opinions on the outcome of his election, he called for an alignment with the vision of the federal government “to protect and provide for our people at the innermost core of their essence while our actions must also guarantee the best and most efficient use of our national commonwealth.”
He pledged to pursue such goals as “Gender matters, with specific affirmative provisions to guarantee women’s inclusivity; Issues relating to persons with special needs and equality.
He said:”We must recognize and prepare for a mid-21st century global economy that places a premium on intellectual content and knowledge, and our young men and women must be supported to engage competitively;
“Expansion of the revenue streams available to the country, especially from our huge but largely unregulated natural and solid mineral resources base. These additional sources of revenue will build the nation’s resilience to shocks and stresses resulting from the fluctuation of oil prices in the international market.
“We will, as a forward-looking Senate, pass laws that emphasize economic viability, social acceptability and environmental sustainability, to encourage alternate and green technologies without prejudicing our developmental needs.”
He promised to consolidate on the achievements of the 9th Senate, as he recalled that the country was caught up in global challenges and upheavals which have far reaching consequences..
“The impact of armed conflicts in Europe and Africa, as well as global political and economic realignments are but a few of these events impacting Nigeria, other countries in Africa and even beyond. Our Senate will remain watchful of, and will be responsive to, these events,” he added.
He pledged to work and perform his duty in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Akpabio began his educational journey at the Methodist Primary School, Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State; the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was a senior prefect; and completed his secondary school education.
His leadership journey continued even after secondary school, as he was elected Speaker of a Parliamentary Year during his sojourn as a student at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, where he obtained his law degree.
In 2015, he contested and won the Senate seat of the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District to represent the district in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria