Ohanaeze Ndigbo has conveyed its felicitations to Senator Godswill Akpabio on his appointment as the President of the Nigerian Senate.
The foremost Igbo socio-cultural organization stated that Akpabio’s election as Senate President signifies a harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.
In a congratulatory message, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, outlined six demands to the newly elected Senate President.
During an interview, Isiguzoro remarked, “We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new Senate President of the 10th Assembly. I extend my congratulations to the leadership of the House for aligning with the suggestions, recommendations, and directives of President Bola Tinubu.”
“Akpabio’s emergence demonstrates that a cooperative and cordial relationship between the legislature and the executive is expected. Nigerians and Ohanaeze Ndigbo anticipate that this understanding and collaboration will result in the introduction of bills that will enhance the lives of Nigerians. However, compliance with President Tinubu’s directives does not imply that the independence of the 10th Assembly will be disregarded.”
Related News
Subsequently, he outlined the demands as follows:
“At this moment, we propose a thorough review of the 1999 Constitution.
“The 10th Assembly should examine the previously disregarded South East Development Commission.
“We anticipate our relative, Akpabio, will scrutinize creating an additional state in the Southeast.
“Ohanaeze will formally notify Tinubu and the Senate leadership of our intention to expedite the process for establishing an additional state, thereby making it the sixth state in the Southeast. These are our expectations.”
Isiguzoro further remarked, “Now that Mr. President has an ally in the Senate, we expect him to foster unity and peace and ensure the passage of bills presented by Mr. President that the 10th Assembly will endorse.”
In conclusion, he expressed gratitude to Senators Orji Uzor Kalu, Osita Izunaso, and Dave Umahi “for stepping aside to allow our relative, Akpabio, to assume the position of Senate President.”
He added, “We appreciate our 15 senators with whom we held discussions, emphasizing that we cannot afford to have a Muslim-Muslim presidency or a Muslim-Muslim leadership of the House. Akpabio is a perfect fit for the role, and we anticipate positive outcomes from his appointment.”
“Nevertheless, we will continue to exert pressure on our leaders who may feel aggrieved, urging them to be considered for leadership positions.”
