Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Sunday expressed support for the ambitions of Sen. Godswill Akpabio and Sen. Barau Jibrin as President and Deputy President of the 10th Senate, respectively.
Sanwo-Olu expressed his support at a consultative visit to Lagos House, Marina, when he received members of the “Stability Group’’, consisting 69 senators-elect, who already endorsed Akpabio and Jibrin.
He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination process to pave the way for election of senate leadership was in order.
He noted that Akpabio’s team possessed the political credentials and leadership qualities to bring about uncommon transformation in the country.
The governor said he aligned with APC’s zoning decision having read the legislative agenda initiated by the Akpabio-led group to raise the bar of law-making.
He stressed that it was instructive that the group was prepared to collaborate with the incoming administration of the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu.
He urged the senate leadership nominees to make purposeful legislations their priority, while maintaining harmonious working relationships with other arms of government without compromising legislative independence.
“Having discussed plans and agenda presented by `Stability Group’ led by Sen. Akpabio extensively, I believe it is appropriate that we, in Lagos State give them our official endorsement.
“This is a project for the stability of the country which will benefit Nigerians, especially the people who elected these distinguished lawmakers-elect.
“They are committed to working harmoniously with the Executive arm of government and this will bring about a win-win for all our citizens and for democracy.
“We are encouraging other lawmakers-elect who are yet to be on this group to fall in line.
“I also appeal to the `Stability Group’ to continue its consultation and collaboration and not to take anyone for granted,’’ Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that members of the group had assured him that they would make the senate leadership as inclusive as possible.
“The diversity they are preaching is reflected in the number of senators-elect in the group; it is not one party. The membership cuts across all parties that are represented in the National Assembly.
“I believe the incoming 10th National Assembly will be about great possibilities and shaping new course for the nation.
“Given the outstanding profile and experience Sen. Akpabio and his group are bringing to the table, I believe there will be new standards and new legislative records will break.
“I will only urge the incoming senate leadership to surpass whatever achievements recorded by the 9th Senate,’’ the governor added.
Akpabio, a former Senate minority leader representing Akwa Ibom Northwest, described Tinubu as “God’s own choice’’ for the country’s leadership.
He noted that the incoming Tinubu administration required the support of dynamic legislative leadership to work together to deliver promises made to Nigerians.
The former Akwa Ibom governor said he would deploy multi-faceted, multi-dimensional and national approaches to law-making, if he became senate president.
He said that the Senate under his leadership would have a complete control over its affairs without being confrontational with the Executive arm of government.
