Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, announced on Thursday that the Senate would work on amending the constitution to support the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.
He made this statement while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to former Interim National Secretary, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
A statement released by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted the Senate President as expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in advancing local government autonomy through the Supreme Court.
Akpabio emphasised that under his leadership, the Senate would make necessary constitutional amendments to ensure the full implementation of the judgment, eliminating any room for manipulation.
“I thank President Bola Tinubu for exploring ways to bring the much-needed autonomy to local governments through the intervention of the Supreme Court,” Akpabio said.
“The Senate, under my leadership, will tinker with the constitution to ensure that the judgment is fully implemented without any loopholes for manipulation by the practitioners.”
The meeting also addressed the political dynamics in Akwa Ibom State. Akpanudoedehe had previously left the APC to join the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) after losing out on a leadership position within the party.
Akpabio, reflecting on past challenges, recalled how the APC failed to capitalise on its opportunities during the 2019 elections due to internal divisions.
He noted, “Before I joined the APC in 2018, the party had never won even a councillorship seat in the state.
However, when I joined, some party leaders viewed me as an enemy. In the 2019 elections, the APC worked against itself, despite having the best chance to win the governorship and other elections. The then-leaders failed to seize that opportunity.”
Akpabio expressed his satisfaction that the APC is now in a stronger position, stating, “I joined the APC so that we could be connected to the centre, and I thank God that dream has come true in 2023.
By the grace of God, the support of President Bola Tinubu, and my colleagues, I am now the Senate President. God saw my good intentions for our people and elevated me.”
Welcoming the return of party members, Akpabio praised their loyalty, saying, “On behalf of the party leadership, I welcome you back. I am happy you have all returned to the party where you belong.
Now that you are back, may God bless you and grant the progressive desires of your hearts.”
Speaking on behalf of the returning members, Eteubong Alex Umoh, Obong Kufre Akpan, and Mrs Roseline Eyang reaffirmed their loyalty to Akpabio’s leadership.
They emphasised that despite Akpanudoedehe’s defection, they never left the APC, recognising Akpabio as their leader in the state.
“We never left the APC,” they said. “We refused to be weapons of war against you or the party leadership. We are now one united family.”
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