Akpabio hailed for strategic leadership, fostering national unity
President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been lauded for strategic, inclusive, and results-driven leadership since assumption of office in marking two years si on June 13, 2023.
The Special Assistant, Media to the President of the Senate, Jackson Udom, in a commemorative reflection titled “Akpabio: Diary of a Legislative Czar in the Red Chamber,” lauded Akpabio’s commitment to national consensus building for the development of the country.
Udom chronicled the achievements of the Senate President over the last 730 days, highlighting his role in stabilizing the Red Chamber, strengthening the legislative institution, and contributing to key national reforms.
“Senator Akpabio has demonstrated exceptional leadership, navigating complex legislative terrain with finesse and clarity of vision. His ability to balance competing interests, unite political factions, and drive forward the agenda of national development is a testament to his strategic insight,” Udom said.
He noted that from the outset, Akpabio’s emergence was not without challenges as he faced resistance from within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and skepticism from the opposition.
However, he said, backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership, Akpabio built the consensus needed to clinch the Senate presidency and immediately swung into action to reconcile various camps.
He pointed out that one of the most contentious issues facing new Senate leaderships, the sharing of committee positions, was deftly handled.
Udom noted that Akpabio oversaw an inclusive process that ensured equitable distribution of chairmanships and deputy roles across party lines, preempting the friction that had undermined previous sessions.
“With deliberate strategy and tact, he ensured that no senator or bloc felt left out. That spirit of inclusion has engendered stability and unity in the Red Chamber,” Udom noted.
He said under Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate has passed several impactful legislations, including the 2025 Appropriation Act. He also played a key role in rallying legislative support for the removal of fuel subsidies, a policy long considered necessary but politically risky.
Udom described Akpabio’s role in the subsidy removal as a reflection of his courage and clarity in governance
“Rather than shy away from the policy, he stood with the executive, articulating the economic rationale and bringing the Senate along in support,” he said.
He added that beyond that, Akpabio’s Senate has prioritized laws and policies that promote economic growth, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and national security.
