By Nesisa Ejiro
Niger Delta Youth Leaders Association have endorsed Senator Godswill Akpobia as the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly just as the body passed a vote of confidence on Progressive Governors’ Forum. The body made this known on Monday at a Press briefing in Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
In his address, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, the National President of the body said upon the general meeting of the body held on 8th Monday, 2023 at GRA Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, they have resolved that the Senate position should be micro- zoned to the South-South region of the country. According to him, body appealed to the conscience of other Northern Leaders to queue behind Senator Akpabio for this prestigious position.
According to the National President, the reason for their resolve is that, from the inception of 1st National Assembly in 1999 till date, South-South has not held this Senate President position . According to him, since then, the Senate President position has been occupied by persons from South East, who were Evans Ewereme, Chuba Okadigbo ,Pius Ayim, Wabara, Ken Nnamani and North Central who were: David Mark and Bukola Saraki and of course, North East who is Ahmed Lawal .
He said:” In sake of fairness, equity and justice that we are throwing our weight behind our support for Senator Akpabio for the position of the Senate President. Apart from the area of justice and fairness, Senator Godswill Akpobio has the experience to occupy this sensitive position”.
According to him, based on Senator Akpabio’s track records and achievements hence, they are supporting him. He said, while he was serving as Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, he has many transformational achievements saying:” he has the tenacity, leadership prowess, and know-how to pilot the affairs of Senate based on his experience he has got both in the executive and as a Senator”.
He thanked the patriotism and steadfastness of the Progressive Northern Governors’ Forum who believe in one Nigeria for their firm resolve not to be swayed in regional politics that the position of the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria should be given to the Southern Nigeria saying, their resolve is commendable. He said, by their action, they want the unity of the country.
He said, they have firm belief in the competent hands of the His Excellency, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu hence he is elected as the President- elect. They therefore prayed that prosperity should be their portion for believing in one Nigeria and therefore passed a vote of confidence on the Progressives Northern Governors’ Forum led by Atiku Bagudu for his patriotism towards building a united Nigeria. According to him, he led the Northern Governors’ Forum by ensuring that the Presidency comes from the Southern region of the country as this enviable position of the Presidency has been in Northern Nigeria.