10th NASS Leadership: APC’s zoning arrangement holds, produces Akpabio, Abbas, others
.…As new leaders promise unalloyed support for Tinubu’s administration
….We shall surpass expectations of Nigerian people — Akpabio
…Await our legislative agenda — Abbas
…Says 10th House will work to combat insurgency, terrorism, all forms of criminalities.
Joel Oladele, Abuja
Senator Godswill Akpabio, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Sen. Jubrin Barau and Hon. Benjamin Kalu on Tuesday emerged winners of the seats of the Senate President, Speaker, Deputy Senate President and Deputy Speaker respectively, in line with the zoning arrangements of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The outcome of the leadership election upon the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, brought to an end the drama which has heated the political space in the country in the aftermath of the General Elections.
Recall that after the conclusion of the 2023 General Elections, attention of Nigerians shifted to who and who takes over the mantle of leadership of the National Assembly, a development that brought unrest to the camps of political elites across the Country.
President Bola Tinubu at a strategic meeting with some of the key APC stakeholders announced Senator Akpabio, Sen. Barau, Hon. Tajudeen and Hon. Kalu as his preferred candidates for the leadership positions of the 10th National Assembly.
However, mixed reactions trailed the announcement as other candidates eyeing the positions chose to up their game to challenge the President’s and consequently APC’s decision.
Following series of consultation with stakeholders, the number of candidates lined up for the Senate Presidency was reduced as the duo of Godswill Akpabio from Akwa-Ibom State and Abdulaziz Yari from Zamfara State were the last two men standing, while Idris Wase from Plateau State and Sani Jaji from Zamfara State slogged it out with party’s anointed candidate for speakership, Tajudeen Abbas from Kaduna State.
The elections which commenced with that of the Senate Presidency started around 9.00am on Tuesday, keenly contested by Senators Akpabio and Yari.
However, Senator Godswill Akpabio was sworn in as the Senate President after scoring 63 votes to defeat his rival, Yari Abdulaziz who got 46 votes.
Thereafter, the House of Representatives election began between the three contestants.
Worthy of note was the manner at which it was conducted as legislators were openly called upon one after the other to mention the name of the candidate of their choice as against the secret ballot system of voting earlier adopted at the Red Chamber.
After the predictable exercise, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas was declared the new Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, having polled 353 votes to defeat the other contestants, former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase and Sani Jaji who polled three votes each.
The emergence of the new leaders of the 10th Assembly has laid to rest, the political speculations and permutations amongst Nigerians as all is now set for the lawmakers to take over their legislative roles after they were all sworn-in on Tuesday.
…We shall surpass expectations of Nigerian people — Akpabio
In his inaugural speech, the newly sworn-in President of the Senate and former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio promised unalloyed support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also urged the opposition senators to support the legislative framework that will help Tinubu’s administration to achieve good governance, adding that the new Assembly will perform beyond the expectations of Nigerians by ensuring that citizens enjoy prosperity under his watch.
“Together, we shall reach and surpass the expectations of the Nigerian people regarding us, and our roles in building a better, safer, more inclusive, prosperous, efficient and ethical country.
“I assure you, distinguished Senators, that I am mindful of the enormous responsibilities that this position calls for. You will have my cooperation in all matters and our joint efforts will be one of teamwork. I extend my sincere hands of fellowship to all of us, including those who, at a time, may have had different opinions regarding the leadership of the Senate.
“These expressions of differing and opposing opinions and views are but the fabric that democracy is made of. Democracy, ultimately, has to do with choice, and there can be no real choice where and when there are no alternatives.
“It is time now to go forward with the task set before us as a collective body – the promulgation of laws and enactments for the well-being and security of the Country and as a check on the executive arm of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in our oversight functions.
“We must, therefore, as a Senate, rise to partner with His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and provide the required legislative framework and legal environment for him to anchor the policies and programmes that he espouses for the Country.
“In doing this, I will particularly like to address our Distinguished colleagues from other parties. Yes, we may have come to the National Assembly through the instrumentalities of different political parties, so it is appropriate to recognise and respect our differing perceptions and positions on issues that will be brought before this chamber.
“However, in all matters of national interest, we are enjoined to remember that we are first and foremost, Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, before our roles as representatives and members of our individual political parties.
“There is, therefore, every reason to support good policies and programmes of the Federal Government, and I call on you to put this national interest first at all times,” Akpabio said.
Speaking further, the Senate President urged the senators to put national interests first as they are expected to demonstrate the highest of patriotism to the nation.
He said: “Today marks a historic moment as we embark on a new chapter in the Senate. Distinguished Senators, today, I stand before you humbled, honoured, and filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and responsibility as I acknowledge and accept your call to serve as the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I assure you that I will discharge the responsibilities of this office with utmost dedication, integrity, and fairness.
“I am humbled because your choice reflects the collective will of the Senate, this assembly of Nigerians whose role and responsibilities for Nigeria is at the apex of the demands of true patriotism, loyalty and devotion to the country.
“As the Senate, you represent the entire Country and your choice is a reflection of the choice of your constituents, of all Nigeria. And I thank you very sincerely for it.
“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.
“I am therefore immensely grateful not only for the great trust you have placed in me today by electing me as the President of the Senate but also for the opportunity to serve our great nation, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He also noted that government is a continuum and promised that the 10th Senate will continue from where the Senator Ahmed Lawal led 9th Senate stopped.
“Government is a continuum and the Senate is no less so. We shall, therefore, further strengthen the legislative space in continuation of the laudable efforts made by the 9th Senate under the able leadership of H.E. Senator Ahmed Lawan, GCON, President of the 9th Senate. Chief among these are:
“Gender matters, with specific affirmative provisions to guarantee women’s inclusivity; Issues relating to persons with special needs and equality; Engaging, empowering and rewarding our resourceful and innovative youths in terms of protection of intellectual innovations and property, and improved access to finance for technological start-ups.
“We must recognise 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 emphasise economic viability, social acceptability and environmental sustainability, to encourage alternate and green technologies without prejudicing our developmental needs,” Akpabio promised.
…Await our legislative agenda — Abbas
In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn-in Speaker of the Green Chamber and the anointed candidate of APC, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State said the 10th House of Representatives will sustain and even surpass the performance of the Ninth House.
He promised to work with other lawmakers to engage in innovative policies for the benefit of Nigerians, noting that they would work closely and interdependently with the executive and judiciary to give Nigerians the good governance they deserve.
“In a few weeks, we shall be reeling out the legislative agenda that will shape the 10th House of Representatives.
“We stand at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history, where challenges abound, but so do opportunities. We will champion legislation that will uplift the lives of our fellow citizens, promote social justice, and drive sustainable development.
“We will focus on strengthening our security apparatus, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to combat insurgency, terrorism, and all forms of criminalities. We aim to help create a safe and secure environment that fosters economic growth and social stability,” he said.
The new Speaker also said through legislation, the 10th House would promote entrepreneurship and support small and medium-scale enterprises and that they would diversify Nigeria’s economy and provide sustainable employment opportunities for our youth.
“We are aware of the challenges in our education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors, amongst others,” Abbas stated.
