The quest of Senators Godswill Akpabio and Jibrin Barau for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President received a significant boost towards realization with further endorsement from the Presidency, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
During a dinner organized by the Stability Group, headed by former Governor of Ebonyi State and Senator-elect Dave Umahi, Vice President Shettima reiterated the unwavering commitment and strong support of President Bola Tinubu and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for Senators Akpabio and Barau to lead the 10th Senate.
Vice President Shettima emphasized that the endorsement of Senators Akpabio and Barau is aimed at fostering unity and stability in the country. The dinner, which took place at Transcorp Hotel in Abuja, was attended by a majority of Senators-elect across party lines, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, Alhaji Kashim Imam, and many others.
Vice President Shettima further stated that “Aside from Senator Akpabio’s competence and capacity to lead the 10th National Assembly, he hails from an important zone and is a man of Christian faith. In line with the Constitution of our country and the diversity of our union, the party and the President deemed it fitting to support him.”
Highlighting the importance of fostering national unity, Shettima shared personal examples of individuals from different regions and religious backgrounds who hold important positions in his own team, emphasizing their dedication and loyalty.
The Vice President assured the Senators-elect of his commitment to continue working for the success of the group by engaging with those who have not yet joined, referring to them as the “winning team.” He revealed that he had been privately campaigning for Senators Akpabio and Barau and would continue to do so until their victory on Tuesday. He also disclosed that he would be leaving the dinner to meet with senators who have yet to pledge their support.
During the event, the chairman of the Stability Group, Dave Umahi, expressed gratitude to the Vice President and the SGF for taking time out of their busy schedules to visit and show solidarity with the group. He assured them that the Senators-elect are ready to work for the benefit of Nigerians and support the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The SGF, in his remarks, revealed that even before his appointment, he had been rallying support for the Akpabio/Barau ticket. He described the Stability Group as the place to be, as the administration led by Tinubu requires all forms of support to commence on a strong foundation.
Senators Akpabio and Barau, the preferred candidates of the party, expressed their immense joy and gratitude for the overwhelming support received from their colleagues, following the public endorsement by the President and the party leadership.