TheNewsGuru

Tag: Godswill Akpabio

  • Nigeria’s Senate President, Akpabio, nominated into Cttee for world conference of Speakers of Parliament

    Nigeria’s Senate President, Akpabio, nominated into Cttee for world conference of Speakers of Parliament

    …and three others

    Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio is on the march again, was nominated into Commttee for world conference of Speakers of Parliament, alongside three others.

    This was contained in a statement issued by his media office stating that:

    “Like a gold fish with no hiding place, Nigeria’s President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has been designated to be in the Preparatory Committee for the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.

    According to a statement issued by the General Secretary of the African Parliamentary Union (APU) to the General Secretary of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), Mr Martin Chungong, “Mr General Secretary, I am pleased to bring to your attention that after the virtual meeting of the Geo Political Group, held on March 7th, 2024, the following members have been designated to be in the Preparatory Committee for the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.”

    Other members of the committee are, Madam Carolina Cerqueira, Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola; Mr Adams Bictogo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Coted’Ivoire and Mr Brahim Boughali, Speaker, National Popular Assembly of Algeria.

    Senator Akpabio was at the last conference of the IPU in Luanda, Angola, elected into the Executive Committee of the international body.

    Akpabio led Nigeria’s delegation to the IPU’s 147th General Assembly in October 2023, breaking 59 years jinx. He is the first Nigerian to be elected into the committee since 1964.

  • PHOTOS: Senate President, Akpabio, colleagues celebrate IWD

    PHOTOS: Senate President, Akpabio, colleagues celebrate IWD

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Principal Officers of the Senate and his colleagues, today joined Senators Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, Idiat Adebule, Ipalibo Harry Banigo and Ireti Kingibe in celebrating International Women’s Day in the Senate.

  • Akpabio hails Barau on doctorate degree conferment

    Akpabio hails Barau on doctorate degree conferment

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has congratulated the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau on his conferment with a Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) by the Bayero University, Kano.

    In a congratulatory message personally signed by the President of the Senate, he described Senator Jibrin Barau as “A worthy brother”.

    He said the Deputy President of the Senate was well deserved of the honour bestowed on him by the university noting that “Senator Barau’s experience has continued to enrich legislation as we strive to contribute our quota to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.”

    He said “On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I felicitate with one of the longest serving legislators in the National Assembly; Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau CON, on his conferment with a Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) by the prestigious Bayero University (BUK), Kano.

    “As this honour is being bestowed on you today, we pray for Almighty Allah’s protection for you, your family, your constituents and the good people of Kano.”

    It will be recalled that Senator Jibrin Barau and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina will on Saturday, March 2, 2024 be honoured by the Bayero University, Kano at its 38th convocation.

  • Akpabio hails Senator Udoma @ 70

    Akpabio hails Senator Udoma @ 70

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has hailed Senator Udoma Udo Udoma on his 70th birthday anniversary.

    Akpabio in a congratulatory message her personally signed said: “On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate, and the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to rejoice with an illustrious son of Akwa Ibom and an eminent Nigerian stateman, Distinguished Senator Udoma Udo Udoma.

    “I am happy to celebrate you on this auspicious occasion of your 70th birthday. All your life has been iconic and pace setting, you have been a huge blessing to mankind, and your contributions to the advancement of our democracy are widely acknowledged.

    “You are a man of principle and impeccable integrity and I cherish your astute personality.

    “I pray to the Almighty God to grant you many more healthy years and the strength to continue to devote your life to doing good and promoting peace.

    “Happy birthday and Congratulations to a brother in whom I am well pleased with!

  • N30bn to state governments from unverified report: I’ve very high regards for govs- Akpabio

    N30bn to state governments from unverified report: I’ve very high regards for govs- Akpabio

    The President of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio has apologized to state governors over an unverified report.

    This was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon Eseme Eyiboh.

    Read full statement below:

    The office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to various misconceptions in the public domain on the statement credited to the President of the Senate in plenary of Wednesday, February 21, 2024, during the presentation of a report of the joint Committees on Finance, Agriculture/Food Sufficiency, Banking and Insurance. During the session the President of the Senate commented on the payment of an unverified cumulative sum of about #30b to the sub-national governments by the Federal Government for various interventions to ameliorate the food situation of our citizens at the sub-national governments.

    The unfortunate conjectures to take away the kernel in the material facts of FAAC payment are rather regretted. In considering the well-intended motive of urging state governments to collaborate with the Federal government of President Bola Tinubu to facilitate strategic interventions to mitigate the prevailing economic situation in the country remains the underpinning motivation in the comment.

    The President of the Senate is not oblivious to the fact that State governments are functional partners in all the efforts of the current administration of President Bola Tinubu and are also valuable Stakeholders’ in the various legislative engagements of the legislature in creating the nexus between the legislature and the people.

    The President of the Senate has always demonstrated commitment to team building and shall not do less in the circumstance.

    He therefore urges the sub-national governments not to be distracted by any misunderstanding of the context and true meaning of the statement. The President of the Senate recognizes and appreciates the current efforts of the governors at ameliorating the adverse effects of the current inclement socio-economic environment and therefore invites more hands on the plow to complement the renewed hope agenda.

  • Akpabio leads presidential delegation to Windhoek, Namibia

    Akpabio leads presidential delegation to Windhoek, Namibia

    President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator, Godswill Obot Akpabio will today lead a presidential delegation to the State Funeral of the departed President of Namibia, His Excellency, Dr Hage Geingob who transited to eternity on February 4, 2024 at the age of 83 years.

    The trip is at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who had in a letter dated February 22, 2024, appointed Akpabio as his Special Envoy and Leader of the Nigerian delegation to the occasion holding in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.

    Other members of the delegation are Mr Zephaniah Jisalo, the Honourable Minister of Special Duties and Inter- Governmental Affairs and Mr Ya’u Shehu Darazo, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs.

    According to the Programme of Events, a Memorial Service will be held in honour of the departed leader at the Independence Stadium on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 14:00 hours. Similarly, the Burial Service will be held at Heroes’ Acre, Windhoek on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 10:00 hours.

    The essence of the trip is to demonstrate Nigeria’s solidarity with the government and people of Namibia as well as convey President Tinubu’s “deep condolences” and the “renewed assurances” of his “sincere and personal regards” to the good people of that country.

  • Hardship: Tinubu gave each governor N30bn to address food shortage – Akpabio

    Hardship: Tinubu gave each governor N30bn to address food shortage – Akpabio

    Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s senate president has disclosed that each state governor has been allocated an extra N30 billion to address the challenges of food scarcity and hardships confronting Nigerians.

    Akpabio said each state should properly utilize the money towards ensuring the availability of food.

    The former Akwa Ibom governor made this known while Speaking on the floor of the senate

    “I must say that unverified report has it that each of the state government in the last few months received additional N30 billion from Federal Inland Revenue Service, outside their normal allocation from the federation account to assist them in ameliorating the food situation.

    “We believe that every state government should utilise the funds so received towards ensuring that food is available.”

    The current economic hardship has led to a hike in the prices of foodstuffs across the country.

    The shortage of foodstuffs was also linked to the hoarding by some people and illegal smuggling to neighbouring countries.

    Recall that Vice President Kashim Shettima had disclosed how security operatives discovered 32 illegal routes being used to smuggle foodstuffs and other items to neighbouring countries from Nigeria.

    Shettima said security agents intercepted 45 trucks smuggling maize to neighbouring countries.

    He noted that the price of “maize” came down by N10,000. The price of maize allegedly came down from N60,000 to N50,000″ when the trucks were intercepted.

  • Akpabio hails Anyim at 63, says he’s an accomplished politician

    Akpabio hails Anyim at 63, says he’s an accomplished politician

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated a former President of the upper chamber, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, as he marks his 63rd birthday.

    Akpabio, in a birthday message signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh described Anyim, as a “True democrat and accomplished politician.”

    He applauded Senator Anyim’s efforts in fighting for and instituting legislative independence in the Senate in his hey days as the presiding officer.

    “On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and the National Assembly, I wish to heartily rejoice with one of my predecessors, a gentleman and learned brother, Distinguished Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON on his 63rd birthday. I pray to the Almighty God to bless him with many more healthy and fruitful years ahead”

    Akpabio said “I must acknowledge the indelible role played by Senator Anyim in the growth and sustenance of our current democratic experience. He is indeed, one of the pillars of the 4th Republic, who have played significant roles in giving life to our democracy.

    “As a statesman and true democrat, Senator Anyim was able to mobilise men of thought and conscience when our late President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was ill to guide the National Assembly to ensure that there was no vacuum and the process of transmitting power was seamless.

    “As Secretary to the Government of the Federation under President Goodluck Jonathan, he brought his experience to bear on the administration. He has remained a committed party man, promoting peace and unity and working for good governance in the country”, Akpabio stated.

  • Just in: Akpabio swears- in three newly elected senators

    Just in: Akpabio swears- in three newly elected senators

    The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday supervised the swearing-in of three newly elected senators during plenary.

    The lawmakers are, Prince Pam Mwadkon (Action Democratic Party, Plateau North); Professor Anthony Ani (All Progressives Congress, Ebonyi South), and Mustapha Musa (All Progressives Congress, Yobe East).

    The oath-taking was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Chinedu Akubueze at about 11:41 am.

    They were subsequently led to their respective seats after the swearing-in.

    Details soon…

  • Akpabio mourns Access Bank Holdings CEO, says death painful loss to Nigeria

    Akpabio mourns Access Bank Holdings CEO, says death painful loss to Nigeria

    The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has mourned the sudden demise of the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holding, Mr Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son in a helicopter crash in California, USA.

    Akpabio in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh described the death of Mr Wigwe as a big loss not only to the Nigerian banking and finance industry where he held sway, but also to the country as a whole.

    According to Senator Akpabio, I received with shock the news of the passing of Mr Wigwe and some of his family members in a helicopter crash in the USA. Mr Wigwe’s contribution to the growth of Nigerian banking industry and indeed the economy of the country were exemplary and commendable.

    “In his chosen career he exhibited a high level of professionalism and unmatched leadership which marked him out as a true patriot. He was a man of integrity who never believed in cutting corners to achieve success in business.

    “His vision in establishing a world class university, Wigwe University, to cater for the educational development of the country will be cherished as a memento for his love for Nigeria.

    “On behalf of the the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I offer our condolences to the Wigwe family, the Board and Management of Access Bank, the Governor of Rivers State, the President and Commander-.in-chief of the Armed Forces of Federal Republic of Nigeria for losing such a great son, iconic entrepreneur a serial investor at such a time that our country needs his services the most.

    “We pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased while we urge Nigerians to uphold the values of integrity, commitment, and professionalism that he embodied throughout his remarkable career,” the statement said.