AKPABIO AND THE TASK OF HELPING NIGERIA DEVELOPMENT
Editorial
The name is born of a great observation, Godswill Akpabio. And yet, it is remarkably appropriately so, given how Senator Akpabio has moved to various positions in the past few years, both as a governor and as a senator. His willingness to always work as a bridge builder is admirable and contributes to his image of being willing to do the right thing irrespective of partisan loyalties.
Senator Godswill Akpabio towers considerably in leadership qualities and political acumen. With Senator Akpabio’s deep experience in governance, politics, and management, he will be able to give President Tinubu the required support and help to stabilize the polity if he is elected Senate president.
Akpabio commands immense influence among his colleagues. He has a national appeal, understands the workings of the legislature, and is fiercely loyal to President Bola Tinubu and the country. He served Akwa Ibom people creditably well as their governor between 2007 and 2015. He was elected Senator in 2015, soon after he left office as governor, and was unanimously elected Senate Minority Leader as soon as he got into the Senate, despite being a junior Senator.
Such principal positions are usually reserved for ranking Senators, but because of the confidence his colleagues had in him, the requirement was waived for him. Akpabio is also an asset to the APC. He worked with other APC leaders to secure 27% of the votes cast in the last Presidential election in his home state of Akwa Ibom for Tinubu.
Described as a truly fascinating leader whose personality, behavior, and styles of leadership focus on innovative thinking and service delivery to the people, all eyes are on Akpabio to deliver quality leadership at the Red Chamber to help move Nigeria forward. This great politician is expected to stay focused on “building a better, safer, more inclusive, prosperous, efficient, and ethical country,” as he has promised in his inaugural speech.
Now as a Senate President, he is in significant policy positions: his views on national issues carry weight. He has begun his Nigerian Senate leadership reign with a loud ovation. He has a sportsman’s fame. Compared to a footballer, Akpabio could be seen as a right forward, lightning-quick out of the gate with an impressive performance, leading the others in helping to put Nigeria ahead.
But the ugly trenches of Nigerian politics could tear down his popularity and reputation. Such a development would considerably slow him down. And if that happens, he will be relegated to right back, where most downside risk is mitigated. He should not allow this to happen. As a leader with an innovative approach to doing things, he should deploy his experience to lead the Senate and help advance the flourish of Nigeria’s economic and social development and civilization.
He has a national appeal, understands the workings of the legislature, and is fiercely loyal to President Bola Tinubu and the country.
