Senator Godswill Akpabio has praised President Bola Tinubu for his significant role in ensuring his emergence as the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly.
Akpabio described President Tinubu as a visionary leader who has made remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The Senate President made these remarks on Saturday during a special Iftar in celebration of President Tinubu’s 73rd birthday in Abuja. Akpabio stated that by the end of Tinubu’s tenure, he would go down in history as one of the greatest and most audacious presidents Nigeria has ever had.
“Congratulations on your 73rd birthday. On behalf of my family, my constituents, the Senate, and the entire National Assembly, I respectfully wish you a very happy and peaceful 73rd birthday celebration. Your Excellency, sir, your leadership, your vision, and dedication to a great nation, Nigeria, remain models that shall inspire future generations,” Akpabio said.
“As the President of the 10th Senate, which you labored to produce, I have the privilege of working closely with you, and I must say that your passion for Nigeria’s progress is remarkable and contagious. I must also confess that you are bold, courageous, and visionary, attributes which shall place you positively in the annals of Nigerian leadership history by the end of your turn. Probably the greatest and most audacious president Nigeria had ever produced,” he added.
Akpabio also highlighted Tinubu’s long political career, marked by challenges and transformative ideas, and praised his democratic principles that helped modernize Lagos State and have now brought renewed hope for Nigeria’s future.
In a further comment, Senator Akpabio acknowledged President Tinubu’s pivotal role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress and his significant contributions to the victory of former President Muhammadu Buhari. However, Akpabio revealed that despite his efforts, Tinubu was treated unfairly by the party and former President Buhari.
Akpabio disclosed that Tinubu was excluded from the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), even though he was recognized as the party’s leader. He noted that while Tinubu played a crucial role in APC’s successes, he was denied the opportunity to actively contribute to party decision-making.
“Sir, I want to acknowledge your indelible role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018, which successfully challenged the dominance of the then People’s Democratic Party in 2015. You did that,” Akpabio said.
“There is no doubt that your support was instrumental to the victories recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and the APC in 2015 and 2019, even though they failed to make you a NEC member. But they call you leader of the party, but not a NEC member. And the NEC takes all decisions, but you remain the leader outside the NEC.”
Akpabio went on to commend President Tinubu for his astute leadership in his first two years, advocating for democratic values and bold economic reforms. He expressed confidence that Nigeria is on the right track under Tinubu’s leadership.
“As the President of Nigeria in the last two years, sir, you have demonstrated astute leadership qualities. And as you advocate for democratic values and bold economic reforms, which have started to yield dividends, I can boldly conclude that our country is on track with you in the driving seat. Congratulations, Mr. President. And may God bless you,” he concluded.
